As California gears up for the 2026 gubernatorial election, one name has been prominently mentioned as a potential successor to Governor Gavin Newsom: Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. A figure with a rich tapestry of experience ranging from business leadership to diplomatic service, Kounalakis brings a unique blend of skills to the political arena. Her journey, marked by significant roles in both national and international contexts, positions her as a potentially transformative leader for California.
Born into a family with deep roots in Sacramento, Eleni Kounalakis is the daughter of Greek immigrants, a narrative that has shaped her perspective on opportunity and public service. Her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, a well-known real estate developer, instilled in her the values of hard work and commitment to community.
Kounalakis graduated from Dartmouth College and later earned an MBA from UC Berkeley, setting the stage for a career that would span both the private and public sectors.
Before entering politics, she served as the president of AKT Development, her family's real estate firm, where she was instrumental in developing master-planned communities in Sacramento. This background in housing and development has given her a keen insight into one of California's most pressing issues: the housing crisis.
Kounalakis's transition from business to politics was marked by her appointment in 2010 as the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary by President Barack Obama. At 43, she was one of the youngest women to serve in such a capacity, bringing a fresh perspective to U.S. diplomacy in Eastern Europe. Her tenure in Hungary was notable for her efforts to uphold democratic values at a time when the country was experiencing political shifts toward nationalism. Her experiences there are chronicled in her memoir, "Madam Ambassador: Three Years of Diplomacy, Dinner Parties, and Democracy in Budapest," which sheds light on her diplomatic strategies and the challenges of promoting democracy abroad.
Returning to California, Kounalakis won the election for Lieutenant Governor in 2018, becoming the first woman elected to this position in the state's history. Her role has been multifaceted, including serving on the University of California Board of Regents, where she has advocated for accessible higher education and against tuition hikes. She has also been pivotal in international trade, particularly in her role as California's Representative for International Affairs and Trade, appointed by Governor Newsom. If the outbreak of fires this year bring Newsome's reign down she would be installed as governor immediately.
Kounalakis's speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in previous years highlighted her commitment to progressive values, focusing on issues like climate change, social justice, and economic opportunity. Her address often underscored her personal story of immigrant heritage, linking it to broader themes of inclusivity and the American Dream. This narrative not only resonated with California's diverse population but also positioned her as a champion for those who see state governance as a vehicle for social change.
Her speech was seen as a blend of personal testament and policy advocacy, touching on her vision for California's future, where education, environmental sustainability, and economic equity are priorities. This platform at the DNC was not just about national politics but served as a significant moment to define her political identity on a broader stage.
"Here in California we are proud of our diversity, which makes us stronger, more innovative, more resilient, and more unified. And we see this diversity personified better than anywhere else in our younger generations. They are the ones who soon will be guiding our international relationships for the next 40 years. They are more tolerant, more open to change, more collaborative, and less saddled by the baggage of the past. And where this all begins to take root is on our college and university campuses.
As a Regent of the University of California system and a Trustee of the California State Universities, I see first hand the world-leading educations these institutions provide their students, both Californian and those who come from abroad. Fully 9% of students at our University of California campuses are from China. And an even larger percentage are Californians of Chinese descent. These are our – and China’s – business and government and academic leaders of tomorrow. This is where the bridges, not the walls, are built."
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis US-China Relationship Summit
August 24, 2019
Her campaign might focus on leveraging her diplomatic experience for stronger international trade relations, enhancing California's role in global climate initiatives, and using her business acumen to tackle the state's housing crisis. Moreover, as a woman in leadership, she could inspire a new generation of female politicians in a state known for its progressive stance on gender equality in politics.
As she contemplates a run for governor, Kounalakis faces several challenges. The financial aspect of campaigning in California is daunting, with previous gubernatorial races setting records for campaign spending. Her family's wealth and her ability to fundraise will be crucial. Additionally, she will need to navigate the complex political landscape of California, where she'll compete with other ambitious Democrats who have their own visions for the state's future.
Moreover, her tenure as ambassador and her memoir have occasionally put her at odds with critics who question her foreign policy decisions or her portrayal of her diplomatic experiences. Handling such critiques will require deft political maneuvering, balancing her past with her future aspirations.
Eleni Kounalakis stands at a pivotal moment in her career, where her next move to rebuilt Pacific Palisades and elsewhere, could define not only her legacy but also the trajectory of California's governance. Her story from a diplomat to a state leader exemplifies a journey of service, driven by a commitment to the principles of democracy, opportunity, and inclusion. As California looks towards 2026, Kounalakis's potential candidacy promises a campaign rich with the themes of international experience, local commitment, and a vision for a California that continues to lead in innovation, equality, and environmental stewardship. Whether she will succeed Gavin Newsom remains to be seen, but her candidacy would undoubtedly add a compelling chapter to California's political narrative
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
