A sheriff, a billionaire, a tinge of scandal. California governor's race packs drama, uncertainty

The race for California governor features former presidential wannabes, a county sheriff, two women who could become the first female to hold the office, House members current and former, an ex-Cabinet secretary and at least one billionaire with another in the wings. The pending exit of term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom has created the most wide-open and crowded field for the state's highest office in memory. Newsom is widely expected to launch a White House run after the Democrat's term ends in early January 2027.