Palo Alto entrepreneur Ethan Agarwal has officially announced his candidacy for California Governor in the 2026 elections, emphasizing a blend of progressive values and pro-business policies.
Palo Alto-based Indian-American entrepreneur Ethan Agarwal has declared his intention to run for Governor of California in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial elections. The announcement was first reported by Axios on August 25, which described Agarwal as a “Democrat who believes in capitalism.”
Agarwal is the founder of two startups, Aaptiv and The Coterie, and has successfully raised a total of $110 million for his ventures, as noted on his LinkedIn profile. In a video shared on social media to announce his candidacy, he articulated his political stance, stating, “I’m pro-choice, I believe in gun control, I believe in immigration, I believe in LGBTQ rights, I’m also fiercely pro-capitalism.”
Through various social media platforms, Agarwal has expanded on his positions regarding a range of issues. He identifies as pro-business and has expressed concern that California is losing its competitive edge as tech companies relocate to other states. He advocates for substantial investment in infrastructure and energy capacity within California.
In a recent social media post, Agarwal outlined “ten ideas to make California better.” Among his proposals, he suggested the construction of three additional University of California campuses and the relocation of the state capital from Sacramento to either San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Support for Agarwal’s campaign is gaining momentum, with notable figures such as Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang, and Tribe Capital co-founder Arjun Sethi planning to host fundraising events for him. Additionally, Agarwal has scheduled two virtual campaign rallies for September 14 and September 21.
As the 2026 gubernatorial elections approach, Agarwal’s unique blend of progressive ideals and a strong pro-business agenda may resonate with a diverse electorate in California.
Source: Original article