U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla said he will not run for California governor in 2026, ending speculation that he might seek to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom when his term ends.

Padilla made the announcement to reporters on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

"It is with a full heart, and even more commitment than ever, that I am choosing to not run for governor of California next year," Padilla said.

Padilla, a Democrat, said he would continue to serve in the Senate. His term in office won't end until 2029.

"I choose to stay in this fight because the Constitution is worth fighting for, our fundamental rights are worth fighting for, our core values are worth fighting for, the American dream is worth fighting for," Padilla said.

Despite not officially declaring himself a candidate, CBS News/YouGov polling conducted in October showed Padilla as the top considered name for the 2026 California governor's race among registered voters.

Padilla's decision not to run narrows the potential field in what is expected to be a high-profile and competitive race.

Democratic candidates still in the 2026 race for California governor include Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Stephen J. Cloobeck, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee.

Republican candidates vying for the California governor's seat include Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton and Leo Zacky.