Huntington Beach, California, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Penner, a notable figure in commercial real estate financing, has declared his independent candidacy for the California governorship. Speaking at the Future Proof Festival, he highlighted his commitment to addressing major state issues, including tax reductions and homelessness. With a campaign aimed at bridging social divides, Penner aims to wrestle against the challenges posed by outmigration and high living costs. As the race intensifies, he looks to attract voters disillusioned with traditional party governance.
California is witnessing a new contender in its upcoming gubernatorial race as Ethan Penner, a prominent trader known for revolutionizing commercial property financing, has officially announced his candidacy as an independent. The 64-year-old aims to appeal to voters who are frustrated with the traditionally dominant Democratic governance while not strictly aligning with Republican ideals.
Penner made the announcement at the Future Proof Festival held in Huntington Beach, CA, where he addressed thousands of attendees. His campaign is built around a platform that focuses on practical reforms intended to tackle some of California’s most pressing issues. These include cutting taxes, reducing regulatory burdens, addressing the homelessness crisis, and fostering a more conducive atmosphere for businesses.
Citing California’s challenges as a “crossroads,” Penner emphasized the alarming trends of families and businesses exiting the state, as well as the growing problem of homelessness and burdensome tax and regulatory environments. He plans to implement pragmatic solutions, drawing from his extensive background in business and finance.
Penner believes that his independent designation could play a crucial role in bridging social divides within the community. He endeavors to prioritize the needs of future generations of Californians and has demonstrated his commitment to education through teaching graduate-level courses at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and Pepperdine University. Penner has also contributed to thought leadership by publishing a weekly newsletter and authoring two books.
His career history is distinguished, having begun in the home mortgage industry and developing substantial achievements within the commercial real estate financing sector. Penner was instrumental in creating the CMBS market in the 1990s while with Nomura Securities. He later founded Mosaic Real Estate Investments in 2015 and co-founded Reven Office REIT in January 2024, aiming to raise $1 billion for office owners and targeting distressed office debt investments.
Penner is also critical of current government strategies concerning various challenges, including wildfire prevention, the high cost of living, and the outmigration of residents seeking better opportunities elsewhere. The political landscape is shaping up as notable official Democratic contenders, such as Xavier Becerra, Eleni Kounalakis, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee, are expected to run alongside incumbent Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and thus cannot seek re-election.
With the primary election set for June 2, 2026, candidates must file their intentions by early March to participate in the race.
Summary of Penner’s Campaign Focus
- Cutting taxes and reducing regulatory barriers
- Addressing the homelessness crisis
- Improving California’s business environment
- Bridging social divides within communities
- Committing to future generations of Californians
Key Career Milestones
- Creator of the CMBS market in the 1990s
- Founded Mosaic Real Estate Investments (2015)
- Co-founded Reven Office REIT (January 2024)
- Taught at USC and Pepperdine University
Upcoming Political Landscape
- Democratic candidates: Xavier Becerra, Eleni Kounalakis, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee
- Gavin Newsom is term-limited
- Primary election on June 2, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Ethan Penner?
Ethan Penner is a commercial real estate financier and the founder of Mosaic Real Estate Investments, who has announced his run for Governor of California as an independent candidate.
What are Ethan Penner’s campaign priorities?
His campaign priorities include cutting taxes, reducing regulations, addressing homelessness, and enhancing the business climate in California.
When is the upcoming gubernatorial election in California?
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with candidates required to file by early March.
What is the significance of Penner’s independent candidacy?
Penner aims to attract voters disillusioned with traditional Democratic governance and bridge social divides by appealing to a broad spectrum of constituents.
Campaign Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax Cuts | Proposing significant reduction in taxes to relieve financial burden on individuals and businesses. |
| Homelessness | Focusing on effective solutions to manage and reduce the growing homelessness crisis in California. |
| Business Climate | Enhancing regulations to create a more inviting environment for businesses to thrive. |
| Independent Candidacy | Positioning himself as a bridge across social divides to attract a wider range of voters. |
| Commitment to Future Generations | Dedicated to creating a sustainable future for the next generation of Californians. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bloomberg: California Governor Race Gets New Entrant with CMBS Pioneer Ethan Penner
- PR Newswire: Economic Thought Leader Ethan Penner Enters Race for California Governor
- WR News: Father of CMBS Ethan Penner Weighs Bid for California Governor
- Bisnow: CMBS Godfather Ethan Penner on CREF’s Breathtaking Losses
- Wikipedia: Ethan Penner
- Google Search: California Governor Election 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
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MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
