California farmer and entrepreneur Elaine Culotti — widely known as the “Lipstick Farmer” — has officially entered the race for governor, launching a campaign centered on economic development, local control, infrastructure reform, and bipartisan leadership.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, Culotti made it clear she is running as No Party Preference in California’s jungle primary system, where the top two vote-getters advance to November regardless of party.
“We need leadership, and we need bipartisan leadership,” she said. “Do not vote for me — vote for us. Vote for California.”
Restoring Local Power and Fixing Sacramento
Culotti’s central argument is that Sacramento has become bloated, inefficient, and disconnected from local communities. She sharply criticized what she describes as unfunded mandates — policies imposed on cities without the funding to implement them.
According to Culotti, mayors across California, regardless of party affiliation, consistently raise the same concerns: economic stagnation, rising crime, homelessness pressures, and a lack of local control.
“They ran on promises to fix their towns,” she said. “Then Sacramento takes it away from them.”
Her plan would return authority and tax dollars to cities, allowing them to address their own priorities without state interference.
Federal Relationships and Accountability
Culotti also pledged to repair California’s strained relationship with Washington, particularly with former President Donald Trump. She argued that political hostility has cost California access to critical federal partnerships and funding, especially in the wake of wildfires.
She was equally critical of Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing Sacramento leadership of failing to maintain transparency and fiscal discipline.
“We can’t pass an audit in this state,” she said, calling for stronger financial oversight and public transparency in state spending.
Immigration: Fixing a Broken System
On immigration, Culotti drew a firm distinction between legal immigrants and those entering unlawfully. She cited an estimated backlog of 11 million people who have applied legally and are waiting for processing.
“If you’ve been waiting for your paperwork and contributing to California, you are a priority,” she said.
At the same time, she criticized sanctuary city policies and argued that public safety must be addressed through lawful immigration enforcement.
Her broader message: the political extremes on both sides are dividing voters unnecessarily.
“California is a purple state,” she said. “Hardworking, amazing people — and they’ve been gaslit by their government.”
Economic Development and Infrastructure
Culotti repeatedly emphasized economic development as her top priority.
“People need jobs. They need to start businesses,” she said. “Economic development is number one.”
She linked job growth to crime reduction and homelessness solutions, arguing that local communities should control funding rather than routing billions through intermediaries and nonprofits. She cited $24 billion spent on homelessness with limited results as evidence the system is broken.
On infrastructure, she criticized the unfinished high-speed rail and deteriorating highways such as Highway 99. She called for public-private partnerships to complete major projects and warned that California’s oil and gas restrictions have worsened supply chain costs and energy prices.
“If we don’t fix our foundation, nothing else works,” she said.
Insurance, Litigation, and Business Climate
Culotti also addressed rising insurance costs, calling for a new Insurance Commissioner who will stabilize markets and ensure homeowners are protected during disasters.
She criticized what she sees as excessive litigation and trial lawyer influence, arguing that soaring insurance premiums for homeowners, doctors, truckers, and small businesses are driving people out of the state.
“We are losing farmers. We are losing families. We are losing manufacturing,” she said.
Agriculture and Small Farmers
A Fallbrook farmer herself — inspired in part by her experience on Undercover Billionaire — Culotti highlighted the challenges facing small farms under 200 acres. She estimates that 80,000 small farmers in California collectively produce only a fraction of total agricultural output, yet face heavy regulatory burdens.
“It’s hard to make a living in farming,” she said. “We have to make small farming beautiful and productive again.”
A Call for Voter Engagement
Culotti urged Californians to research candidates carefully — not just for governor, but for every statewide office.
“Do not be lazy this time,” she said. “Do not vote for a D or an R. Vote for someone you can ask questions to.”
As the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up, Culotti is positioning herself as a bipartisan disruptor focused on fiscal reform, economic growth, infrastructure investment, and restoring California’s competitiveness.
Her message to voters is simple: Sacramento must change — and California’s future depends on it.