Donald P. Wagner is the Republican Candidate running for Secretary of State. He previously served as California State Assembly for the 68th and 70th district and most recently as the Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. He aims to ensure that the California ballot is accessible and secure by ensuring only eligible voters cast ballots. He plans on supporting this throught gathering support for the Voter ID initiative that is going into the ballot for 2026. He also claims to be "small-business friendly." He has been publicly sponsored by Cali MAGA Barbie, Elizabeth Barcohana's Lady with a Brain Voter Guide, and Reform California's Voting Group.

Shirley N. Weber is a democratic candidate that has served previously as Secretary of State starting January 29, 2021. She serves as the first Black Secretary of State for California. In voting her, she vowes to restore trust and transparency, encouraging Californians from everywhere to vote. She plans to do this by fixing the delay in financial filings, enforcing the rules equally, and creating outreach campaigns for students to vote. She has been regarded and fair and principled by both the Democratic and Republican parties. She wants to ensure transparency with the public so that they are informed on any issues, and give knowledge on candidates. She also wants to protect the vote-by-mail which has helped numerous Californians vote even those on parole through Proposition 17. She has been endorsed by 32 Voting Groups.