Huntington Beach, California, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Ethan Penner, a notable figure in commercial property financing, has announced his independent candidacy for Governor of California, addressing key issues like tax cuts and homelessness. At 64, Penner aims to attract voters frustrated with traditional party politics, focusing on reforms to improve the state’s business climate and tackle pressing local challenges. His announcement took place at the Future Proof Festival in Huntington Beach, with the primary elections set for June 2, 2026.

California

Ethan Penner, a prominent figure in commercial property financing, has declared his independent candidacy for Governor of California. At 64 years old, Penner is positioning himself as an alternative for voters frustrated with decades of Democratic leadership, while not fully subscribing to Republican viewpoints. His campaign is aimed at those seeking significant reforms in the state.

Penner announced his intention to run during the Future Proof Festival in Huntington Beach, California, where he addressed a crowd of thousands. He has articulated a platform focused on major issues including tax cuts, reducing regulations, tackling homelessness, and improving the state’s business climate. His campaign centers around what he describes as California’s critical “crossroads,” marked by families and businesses leaving the state, uncontrolled homelessness, and excessive taxes and regulations.

Throughout his campaign, Penner promises pragmatic solutions, drawing on his extensive background in business and finance. He expresses a commitment to bridging social divides and aims to address the pressing needs of future generations in California. His past experiences include publishing a weekly newsletter and authoring two books, while he also teaches graduate-level courses at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and Pepperdine University, where he mentors the next generation of business leaders.

Penner’s career has been distinguished, starting in the home mortgage industry and advancing into the commercial real estate finance sector. He is noted for creating the Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) market in the 1990s while at Nomura Securities. In 2015, he founded Mosaic Real Estate Investments which focuses on real estate investments and strategies. Additionally, in January 2024, he co-founded Reven Office REIT, aimed at raising $1 billion targeted at assisting office property owners and managing distressed office debt investments.

Critically assessing the current approach of the California government, Penner has voiced concerns over various significant issues such as wildfire prevention, high living costs, and the exodus of residents from the state. His independent bid comes at a time when notable Democratic candidates have also entered the race, including Xavier Becerra, Eleni Kounalakis, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee, as Gavin Newsom, the current governor, is term-limited.

Candidates must submit their filings by early March in order to be included in the primary elections scheduled for June 2, 2026.

Key Points of Ethan Penner’s Campaign

• Independent Candidacy: Seeking to attract voters unhappy with traditional political options.
• Reform Focus: Emphasizes tax cuts, reduced regulations, and solutions for homelessness.
• Disruption of Status Quo: Aims to address families leaving California and the state’s business ecosystem.
• Experience in Finance: Background in commercial real estate finance and university teaching.
• Democratic Candidates: Running against notable figures such as Xavier Becerra and Katie Porter.

Context and Background

California, often seen as a progressive stronghold, has faced growing dissatisfaction from a segment of its population regarding the cost of living and quality of life issues. Penner’s campaign emerges as the state grapples with an ongoing homelessness crisis and high taxes, sparking questions about the effectiveness of current leadership. With a competitive Democratic primary on the horizon and the state’s political landscape shifting, Penner’s independent bid could significantly impact the 2026 elections.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Bloomberg: California Governor Race Gets New Entrant
• PR Newswire: Ethan Penner Enters California Governor Race
• WR Enews: Ethan Penner Weighs Bid for California Governor
• The Real Deal: Father of CMBS Ethan Penner to Run for Governor
• Wikipedia: Ethan Penner

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.