A gubernatorial election refers to a specific election in which a state’s citizens will vote for a new governor. Often times there will also be voting for candidates in other positions such as lieutenant governor or treasurer.

In California, a governor is allowed to serve two four-year terms. The governor is considered a chief executive that oversees and manages California government. They are able to shift the State’s budget, enact bills into law or veto them, appoint judges, and more. Voting for a governor can be thought of as picking a new manager for the state.