Ethan Penner Announces Gubernatorial Bid in California

Huntington Beach, California, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Ethan Penner, a prominent figure in commercial real estate financing, has declared his candidacy for the Governor of California as an independent. He aims to connect with voters disillusioned by traditional parties, emphasizing reforms on homelessness, taxes, and regulations. His announcement at the Future Proof Festival marks the beginning of a competitive race as California prepares for the June 2026 primary elections.

California is set for a new political contender as Ethan Penner, a prominent figure in commercial real estate financing, has announced his bid to run for Governor as an independent candidate. The 64-year-old aims to resonate with voters who feel disenchanted by the traditional Democratic leadership in the state while balancing a stance distinct from Republican policies.

Penner made his official announcement at the Future Proof Festival held in Huntington Beach, California, which attracted thousands of attendees. He describes his candidacy as an essential response to what he sees as California at a “crossroads.” His campaign focuses on critical issues such as rampant homelessness, families and businesses relocating out of state, and the overwhelming tax and regulatory landscape impacting California residents.

On his campaign platform, Penner emphasizes key priorities including:

• Cutting taxes and reducing regulatory hurdles that hinder business growth.
• Addressing homelessness, an issue that has escalated to alarming levels across California.
• Enhancing California’s business climate to encourage investments and foster economic growth.

Penner expresses a strong commitment to pragmatic, solution-oriented approaches influenced by his extensive background in the business and finance sectors. He believes that his independent status will appeal to a diverse voter base and help bridge social divides within the community.

Moreover, Penner has a history of engaging with future business leaders; he currently teaches graduate-level courses at both the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and Pepperdine University. He is also a published author, having written two books and a weekly newsletter focused on practical business insights.

His impressive career trajectory includes a major role in the creation of the Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) market in the 1990s during his tenure at Nomura Securities. In recent years, he founded Mosaic Real Estate Investments in 2015 and co-founded Reven Office REIT in January 2024, which aims to raise $1 billion for office owners and invest in distressed office debt.

Penner has voiced his criticism of recent government strategies addressing various social issues, including wildfire prevention efforts, rising living costs, and the alarming trend of residents moving out of California. His campaign seeks to confront and navigate these challenges head-on with informed, practical solutions for the future.

The political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive as other notable Democratic candidates prepare for the upcoming gubernatorial race. These include Xavier Becerra, Eleni Kounalakis, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited, creating an open field for potential candidates.

Interested candidates must file their nominations by early March 2026 to qualify for the June 2, 2026, primary election. Penner’s entry as an independent brings a new dynamic to the race, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms across various sectors affecting Californians.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Bloomberg: California Governor Race Gets New Entrant with CMBS Pioneer Ethan Penner
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• Google Search: California Governor Race 2026
• WeRecover.com: Ethan Penner, Father of the CMBS, Weighs Bid for California Governor
• Encyclopedia Britannica: California
• Bisnow: Father of CMBS Ethan Penner Wants to be CA Governor
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• The Real Deal: Father of CMBS Ethan Penner to Run for Governor of California
• Connect CRE: CRE Legend Ethan Penner Talks Opportunities at Connect LA

Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER

LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana