California Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, a Democrat and the first Hispanic elected to any statewide office in more than 100 years, broke party ranks to become the first prominent Democrat to declare his own candidacy. He said he would continue to work against the recall, but felt that Democrats need a strong candidate if Gov. Gray Davis was ousted.
Audie Bock
Audie Bock ran as a Democrat in the recall race. She's a former state assemblywoman from Oakland, and a former Green Party member.
Larry Flynt
Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt announced his intention to run for governor and said he would erase the state's deficit by allowing private casinos to install slot machines. "Vote for the smut-peddler with a heart," will be the campaign slogan, said Flynt.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who ran as a Republican, said his vast wealth will put him out of reach of the "special interests" who want to buy influence in state government. The actor said he's shown leadership in everything he's done.
Tom McClintock
State senator Tom McClintock, a Republican from Thousand Oaks, was a candidate. Reacting to the news of Arnold Schwarzenegger's candidacy, he said, "The election marks a historic turning point in direction of this state. It deserves a very serious discussion of the plans and policies of the candidates, and I think Arnold's presence in the race will amplify that discussion."
Bill Simon
Republican Businessman Bill Simon dropped out of the race on Aug. 23, 2003, in a bid to narrow the crowded field and increase his party's chances at the polls. Simon's name still appeared on the ballot because it was too late to remove it.
Peter Ueberroth
Republican Peter Ueberroth, the former baseball commissioner whose was named Time magazine's Man of the Year after he headed the 1984 Summer Olympics, pulled his name off the long list of candidates on Sept. 9, 2003. He said his poll numbers were "moving up," but they wouldn't be enough for him to win.
Arianna Huffington
Political commentator Arianna Huffington ran as an independent before exiting the race on Sept. 30. She urged supporters to vote against the recall but did not endorse anyone. "I want people to vote their conscience, but make sure that whatever their vote is, it does not put Schwarzenegger in the Statehouse," she said.
Peter Camejo
Berkeley's Peter Camejo represented the Green Party in the recall election. He ran as the dark horse candidate in the 2002 gubernatorial race.
The List Goes On...
A wave of Californians are running in the election, including former child actor Gary Coleman, pictured, and watermelon-smashing comic Gallagher. Click here for the list of candidates, which included 50 Democrats, 42 Republicans and 32 independents, as well as members of small parties such as the Greens and Libertarians.