Huntington Beach, CA, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Penner, a notable figure in commercial property financing, has declared his candidacy for Governor of California as an independent. At 64, he aims to attract voters discontent with the Democratic leadership. His platform focuses on cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and addressing homelessness. Penner launched his campaign at the Future Proof Festival, emphasizing a business-oriented approach to governance and a commitment to tackling pressing state issues. With a history in finance and education, he seeks to bring pragmatic solutions to California’s challenges.
California is poised for a new political landscape as Ethan Penner, a distinguished figure in commercial property financing, has announced his independent candidacy for Governor. At 64, Penner aims to appeal to voters who feel disenfranchised by the state’s longstanding Democratic leadership while offering an alternative that does not strictly adhere to Republican views. His campaign proposes a series of sweeping reforms intended to address key issues facing California.
Penner officially launched his campaign at the Future Proof Festival in Huntington Beach, CA, where he was met with enthusiasm from the thousands in attendance. He identifies California as being at a pivotal moment in its history, dealing with pressing challenges such as rampant homelessness, a declining population due to migration, and increasing tax burdens. His platform is comprehensive, outlining plans to cut taxes, reduce regulations, enhance the business environment, and implement practical solutions to homelessness.
Penner’s business acumen is rooted in his background as a pioneering figure in the commercial real estate financing sector. He is recognized for his role in creating the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) market in the 1990s during his tenure at Nomura Securities. More recently, Penner founded Mosaic Real Estate Investments in 2015 and co-established Reven Office REIT in January 2024, with plans to raise $1 billion to target distressed office debt investment.
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Penner has committed time to education. He teaches at the Marshall School of Business at USC and at Pepperdine University, where he guides future business leaders through their academic and professional journeys. This educational background, combined with his experiences in the finance sector, forges his unique perspective on governance, which he believes will help bridge social divides and foster community improvements.
As an independent candidate, Penner is particularly vocal about the failures of current government policies relating to wildfire prevention, living costs, and the outmigration crisis facing California. He believes his pragmatic, business-oriented approach will resonate with residents frustrated by a lack of effective governmental solutions to these complex issues. His emphasis on practical reforms is a direct attempt to engage with constituents who share his concerns for future generations of Californians.
Penner enters a competitive field of candidates vying for the governorship. Notable Democratic figures in the race include Xavier Becerra, Eleni Kounalakis, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee, while incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and will not be seeking re-election. Candidates interested in participating in the June 2, 2026 primary election must submit their nomination forms by early March.
As Ethan Penner embarks on this political journey, his focal points of tax reduction, regulatory reform, and addressing homelessness may resonate strongly with voters looking for change in California leadership. His campaign reflects a strategic blend of independent thought and practical business experience aimed at revitalizing the state’s governance and improving the living conditions for its residents.
Key Features of Ethan Penner’s Campaign
- Cut Taxes: Penner advocates for lower taxation to stimulate economic growth.
- Reduce Regulations: Proposes less restrictive business regulations to enhance market conditions.
- Homelessness: Strong focus on effective strategies to tackle and address homelessness in the state.
- Independent Stance: Aims to attract voters dissatisfied with both major political parties.
- Experience: Utilizes his background in commercial real estate to inform governance approaches.
FAQ Section
Who is Ethan Penner?
Ethan Penner is a trader and financier renowned for his role in creating the commercial mortgage-backed securities market. He is now running as an independent candidate for Governor of California.
What are the main points of Penner’s campaign?
Penner’s campaign focuses on cutting taxes, reducing regulations, enhancing the business climate, and addressing homelessness in California.
When is the California gubernatorial primary election?
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with candidates needing to file by early March.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bloomberg: California Governor Race Gets New Entrant with CMBS Pioneer Ethan Penner
- PR Newswire: Ethan Penner Enters Race for California Governor as an Independent
- WRENEWS: Ethan Penner Weighs Bid for California Governor
- Bisnow: CMBS Godfather Ethan Penner on CREFC’s Breathtaking Losses
- Wikipedia: Ethan Penner
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
