Barack Obama, the long-shot candidate running in California’s 61-person governor’s race

Published May 21, 2026 12:55pm ET | Updated May 21, 2026 12:55pm ET



California’s gubernatorial race is packed with seasoned officeholders, deep-pocketed candidates, and high-profile politicians who want the chance to lead the state. It is also home to what may be the most unintentionally entertaining ballot in America.

Among the 61 candidates running in the state’s wide-open governor’s race is Barack D. Obama Shaw — not to be confused with former President Barack Obama, a distinction Shaw apparently has to make often.

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