Compare the Candidates
The 2026 California election presents a clear choice. While career politicians offer more of the same, Matthew brings something fundamentally different: real executive experience, scientific credentials, and a track record of delivery.
The Builder
I'm not running to perform—I'm running to deliver. Keep the lights on. Cut the bills. Build on time.
In a field dominated by career politicians, Matthew Chase Levy brings something different: experience building companies, scientific credentials from Lawrence Livermore, and a focus on measurable results. He speaks in timelines and deliverables—not empty promises.
"Reliable power. Affordable bills. Clean energy that works 24/7."
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Worked on U.S. strategic security issues, learning firsthand that safety, stability, and prosperity depend on systems that work under real-world constraints.
Oxford Newton International Fellow
First American physicist to receive this prestigious Royal Society appointment. Focused on AI and fusion energy when others dismissed them as premature.
Builder's Mindset
Founded Noble.AI for scientific AI and AE Blue to commercialize fusion energy. Builds teams that handle complexity and deliver results—on time, on budget, with accountability.
Three Contrasts That Matter
Competence Over Performance
Not speeches—schedules. Not promises—metrics.
Delivery Over Slogans
We will publish the metrics and the deadlines.
Affordability Over Ideology
If it doesn't reduce bills or prevent blackouts, we don't do it.
"California can be clean and reliable. We can do both—on time."
An Affordable, Safe, Innovative California
California can lead the world again—but only if government delivers. My administration will be judged by results people can see.
Cost of Living & Housing
Build permanent housing that ends homelessness. Same-week access to mental health and addiction care.
Education & Job Pathways
Tuition-free community college. Stronger K-12 fundamentals. Clear routes to good jobs with apprenticeships and certificates.
Innovation & AI
California should lead AI—and make it help people. Rules for high-stakes AI. AI-era jobs and shared opportunity.
Environment & Wildfire
Housing near jobs and transit. Deliver water and wildfire protection on time with verified milestones.
Clean Energy
Firm clean power 24/7 including fusion. No more blackouts. Clean transportation and good jobs.
Refusing to Govern Through Division
Equal protection and dignity. Zero tolerance for hate. Partnership over performative politics.
One standard across every issue: measurable targets, transparent reporting, and funding tied to performance—without raising taxes on families.
Select a Candidate to Compare
Choose any candidate running for California Governor in 2026 to see a detailed comparison with Matthew Chase Levy.
Democrat • Step Pop, Oaklander, Expert in Clean Energy with Fusion & AI
High-trust, technically fluent outsider who talks like a CEO/physicist but sounds like a neighbor. Founder of Noble.ai, Oxford Newton Fellow, Lawrence Livermore scientist.
Value Proposition:
- Keep the lights on, cut the bills, build on time
- Publish metrics and deadlines—accountable governance
- Executive experience building companies and delivering results
- Scientific rigor from Oxford and Lawrence Livermore
Democrat • Former U.S. Representative (Orange County)
Law professor and consumer advocate known for whiteboard-style congressional questioning. Served in Congress 2019-2025. Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2024.
Key Strengths:
- Consumer advocacy experience
- High name recognition
- Strong fundraising base
- Progressive credentials
| Qualification Area | Matthew Chase Levy | Katie Porter |
|---|---|---|
| AI & Tech Industry Experience | Strong | Limited |
| Scientific Background | Strong | None |
| Business & Executive Experience | Strong | None |
| Education Policy Readiness | Strong | Moderate |
| Climate & Energy Expertise | Strong | Moderate |
| Housing Policy Solutions | Strong | Moderate |
Katie Porter is a fierce watchdog, but California doesn't just need cross-examination—it needs construction: housing units, power capacity, and water projects. Matthew Chase Levy brings executive experience building a tech company, scientific credentials from Lawrence Livermore, and the ability to actually implement solutions.
Matthew's Response:
"I've built in the private sector, but I'm running to make markets work for families—more competition, lower costs, and better performance. Affordability-by-design: permitting reform, grid modernization, and accountable delivery that lowers bills."
2026 California Governor Race: Full Candidate Field
Matthew Chase Levy
Step Pop, Oaklander, Expert in Clean Energy with Fusion and AI
Finance Committee Member for Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Trustee of The Washington Institute, Oxford Fellow, Founder of Noble.ai and AEBlue, with a PhD from Rice and Bachelors from UCLA. The only outsider candidate who understands how to listen, build teams, and actually engineer fresh solutions that work.
Katie Porter
Former U.S. Representative (Orange County)
Law professor and consumer advocate known for whiteboard-style congressional questioning. Served in Congress 2019-2025. Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2024.
Xavier Becerra
Former U.S. HHS Secretary
First Latino California Attorney General (2017-2021). Served as HHS Secretary under Biden (2021-2025). Long career in Congress representing Los Angeles.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Former Los Angeles Mayor
LA Mayor 2005-2013. Former State Assembly Speaker. Ran for governor in 2018, finishing third. Moderate Democrat focused on education reform.
Tom Steyer
Billionaire Investor & Climate Activist
Hedge fund founder worth billions. Ran for president in 2020. Major Democratic donor and climate activist. Announced November 2024 focusing on affordability.
Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Only current statewide officeholder in the race. Background as social worker. Focused on education and youth issues.
Betty Yee
Former State Controller
State Controller 2015-2023. Deep expertise in state budgets and tax systems. Served in Governor Gray Davis's administration.
Rob Bonta
California Attorney General
Current Attorney General appointed by Newsom in 2021. Former State Assemblymember. First Filipino-American AG in California history.
Toni Atkins
Former California Senate President Pro Tem
Former Senate leader who helped shape major legislation. Housing advocate. First openly LGBTQ+ person to lead the California Senate.
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California
Current Lieutenant Governor since 2019. Former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary. Real estate developer background.
Eric Swalwell
U.S. Representative (CA-14)
U.S. Congressman representing the East Bay since 2013. Ran for president in 2019. Focus on national security and gun violence prevention. Built a national profile through media appearances.
Why Matthew? Why Now?
The next industrial wave is real and unfolding now. AI-for-science is no longer speculative. Fusion energy is no longer theoretical. California is at risk of missing this moment.
While California continues to invent, other places are capturing the manufacturing, supply chains, and high-paying jobs. Families feel the consequences of rising costs and declining trust. But this is not inevitable—it is the result of systems that have lost the ability to execute.
Matthew has spent his career building teams that deliver results. Now he wants to do the same for California.
A Builder's Agenda for California
Matthew brings a builder's mindset to leadership. He listens to the quietest voice in the room to surface truth. He builds teams that can handle complexity. He demands that projects be delivered on time, on budget, and with accountability.