The primary election in California is inching ever closer — it’s on June 5! — and that means it’s time for voters to be doing their homework. We’re here to help.

There are 27 people signed up to campaign to take Gov. Jerry Brown’s place in Sacramento. Yes, you read that correctly. Twenty-seven!

The 27 candidates for governor include a mathematician, a puppeteer, a virtual reality manager, a trans-humanist lecturer and a recording artist. The list also includes former public officials and current ones like the lieutenant governor and the state treasurer.

With such a long list for Californians to take in, we decided to do some digging for you and — based on official candidate statements or our own research — provide the best information we could find about each one.

Some shared a lot about themselves with the Secretary of State’s Office, others are elusive and have limited information online. Many have extensive campaign websites where you can learn more about them, which we’ve provided links to below.

Here’s what we could find. We listed each candidate in alphabetical order with their political party affiliations.

Good luck.

Akinyemi Agbede — Democratic

Occupation: Mathematician

Candidate Info: Mission Statement—California Strong!

Travis Allen — Republican

Occupation: California Assemblyman/businessman

Candidate Info: Born and raised in California, I’ve had amazing opportunities in this state. My wife and I are raising our daughters here. I became a financial advisor and started my own small business here. I was elected to the California Assembly six years ago. I’ve even had the chance to help break a Guinness World Record. I love California, and I’m proud to call it home; I want my daughters to have the California I grew up with. However, our state is threatened by high taxes, burdensome regulations, soft on crime policies, and low education standards. We need to take back California. I have a five-point plan for California: 1) Cut taxes for all Californians; 2) Get tough on crime to protect California’s families, not criminals; 3) Fix our roads and reduce traffic by spending our existing tax revenue for high quality roads, not high speed rail; 4) Once again provide the best education in America by giving our children safe schools and charter schools; and 5) Complete the State Water Project to provide water storage that will preserve the Delta and supply water to California’s farms, suburbs and cities. I have a proven track record. I authored the first effort to repeal California’s excessively high new gas tax and car tax, and I’ve earned “A” grades from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association every single year I’ve been in the Assembly. As governor, I’ll reverse California’s dangerous sanctuary state policies. Let’s take back California: Vote Travis Allen for governor.

J. Bribiesca — Democratic

Occupation: Retired medical doctor

Canididate Info: I’m running for governor to make California better. I’m for the veterans, the homeless (I was a homeless child), the seniors, the disabled and the youth of California. I represent the poor, middle class and those with no voice. I’m a proud American citizen, a retired medical doctor from Mexico, and the first immigrant from Mexico to run for governor of California. I’m not a career politician. With your vote, I’ll fight for a better California using a common-sense approach and promote prevention taking care of the causes to avoid costly consequences. Keeping our citizens safe, demand transparency, justice and accountability and respect for people’s rights by ethical and respectful conduct from all state employees and enforcing the law to all equally. Stop elected officials using their office for personal gain at taxpayers’ expense. Reducing regulations for economic growth, job creation. Fixing infrastructure. Lower gasoline and utility prices and encouraging renewable energy, protecting our environment. Fiscal conservative. Smaller and efficient government by reducing non-performing agencies. Affordable health care with lower drug and hospital costs. Demand better and free education. Respect women’s rights, families, diversity and freedom.

Thomas Jefferson Cares — Democratic

Occupation: Blockchain startup CEO

Candidate Info: ”You're going to love having me as governor. I'll revolutionize credit with a platform where every Californian can create their own cryptocurrency, and make enforceable and monitored promises to make it redeemable for things like services, or a fraction of future income. Your potential will be money. This will change a fundamental framework of society to focus us on potential, so that we can reach it, individually and collectively. It's a complete game-­changer, and one of many reasons you can't waste your vote on a traditional candidate. Some other things you'll love: A Department of Dignity, overseeing that all government­-civilian interactions are dignified for the civilian. A Department of Potential that will empower everyone to find meaningful, creative work and growth. Incarceration rates below Canada's, instead of 6 times higher. Re-engineered education that focuses on creativity and abandons cookie-cutter matriculation requirements to nurture every students' particular talents. As we head into an age of automation, non-creative work for humans may be scarce. Zero tolerance for police brutality and renaming the Bay Bridge after Oscar Grant, and the Sacramento Tower Bridge after Stephon Clark, so it's not forgotten. A ground-­breaking digital direct democracy platform, with no binding power initially, that will eventually become the standard for political systems worldwide. Everyone can act as a legislator when they want to, and be represented by their favorite person when they don't; with an overall leader, directly accountable to voters in real time. The status quo of winner­-take-­all districts and quadrennial elections will look archaic. A network of self­-driving, synchronized, narrow cars (Traffic solved!) Studying peaceful/legal secession/independence in case things worsen.

Christopher N. Carlson — Green

Occupation: Puppeteer/musician

Candidate Info: “Teach your children calculus And keep the planet safe Or feathered stones and empty bowls Will also be their fate.”

Website: Not provided

John Chiang — Democratic

Occupation: California state treasurer

Candidate Info: John Chiang believes every Californian deserves the opportunity to live the American Dream. That’s why he has spent his career fighting for California’s working families — so they can have access to good-paying jobs that provide for a family, send their kids to a quality school where they can succeed, and sign up for health coverage that doesn’t break the bank. As California’s next governor, John will build on our state’s rich cultural diversity, commitment to equality, and innovative spirit to ensure every Californian has the opportunity to live this American Dream.

John H. Cox — Republican

Occupation: Businessman/taxpayer advocate

Candidate Info: For years, the Sacramento politicians have been socking it to middle class taxpayers and small business owners. Fueled by the corrupting influence of special interest money, career politicians have saddled us with among the highest income taxes, sales taxes,and gas taxes in the country. They have piled on so many taxes, fees and regulations that they have made it impossible to build affordable housing, while driving thousands of businesses and good-paying jobs out of state. I am a conservative small businessman running for governor to roll back the tide of tax increases and job killing regulations that have made California unaffordable. I’m the only conservative in the race who both supports the Second Amendment and is endorsed by the California Pro-Life Council. On my first day in office, I’ll put an end to the sanctuary state law that shelters illegal felons, and puts all of our families at risk. When our California congressional Republicans asked me to serve as chairman of the real campaign to repeal the gas tax, I gladly accepted— because it’s time to fight back, and end the war on the middle class. Let’s liberate California from the corrupting influence of special interest money, and reclaim the California Dream. If you’re ready to join our movement, text reclaim to 99000, and follow me on Facebook. I can’t do this alone, but together, we can make California great again. I’m John Cox, Republican for Governor.

Delaine Eastin — Democratic

Occupation: Educator/youth advocate

Candidate Info: Delaine Eastin is the only woman elected state superintendent of public instruction, overseeing California’s schools and responsible for 40 percent of the state budget. During her 8-year tenure Delaine moved California’s per pupil spending from 47th to 27th in the nation by suing the governor for illegally withholding funds. Delaine is running for governor because California has lost its way. We rank 41st in the nation in per pupil spending, but 1st in per prisoner. The high costs of childcare, healthcare, housing and college are crushing Californians. Budgets are statements of values. To rebuild our democracy, we need to invest in education and create an economy that works for everyone. As Governor, Delaine will foster jobs that pay living wages with equal pay; build affordable housing; provide universal healthcare; defend reproductive rights; protect immigrants; fight the climate crisis by banning fracking and transitioning to clean energy; invest in small businesses, affordable child care, universal preschool, excellent public education, debt free college, career training. Delaine is endorsed by the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Young Democrats’ Environmental/Progressive Caucuses, the Feminist Majority, SF Berniecrats, Senators/Assembly members Dede Alpert , Joan Buchanan , Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Loni Hancock and Lori Saldana, county supervisors, mayors, city council members, school board members, Teachers of the year, and thousands of everyday Californians because Delaine has the courage, vision and heart to lead our state. Delaine is the only candidate elected to statewide office, the Assembly and City Council in Union City, where there is a Delaine Eastin Elementary School. Delaine would be California’s first woman governor.

Yvonne Girard — Republican

Occupation: Judicial assistant

Candidate Info: As a veteran, and governor, I will work to deregulate California and reduce taxes. I believe justice belongs to all; from babies in the womb, families of fallen military and first responders, to historical wrongs not fully amended for Japanese, Jewish, Armenian, Indigenous and African Americans. No child should ever live in hunger. All public K–12 student meals should be included in the cost to educate each student. I, Yvonne Girard, ask for your vote.

Website: Not provided

Shubham Goel — No Party Preference

Occupation: Virtual reality manager

Candidate Info: I am a recent UCLA graduate with a major in economics/business and minor in film, television and digital media.

Robert Davidson Griffis

Occupation: Entrepreneur/economist/father

Candidate Info: None available

Zoltan Istvan — Libertarian

Occupation: Entrepreneur/trans-humanist lecturer

Candidate Info: As one of America’s leading libertarian politicians, I’m running for governor to restore equality, fiscal responsibility, and prosperity to California. Born in Los Angeles, I’m an Ivy-league graduate, former National Geographic journalist, successful Bay Area entrepreneur, and one of the world’s top science and technology policy makers. A shortlisted potential running mate of presidential candidate Gary Johnson, I have the executive experience to lower taxes, end the drug war, defend your freedoms, and create new jobs. I’m pro-choice, pro-immigration, pro-small business, and secular. As a husband, father, and citizen, I share your values in seeing California restored with a powerful new vision. Vote Zoltan!

Josh Jones — Green

Occupation: Author

Candidate Info: Corruption. Unaffordability. Waste. This has become normal. I will change it. We’re listening to you, with meetings in all 58 counties. A corporation is not a person and money is not speech. Trans rights: not extra rights for corporations. We need to protect pensions, social security, sustainable energy, groundwater reservoirs, gain UBI, housing, oil royalties, provide free college, ban prison slavery, fix DACA, ban fracking, achieve single payer. Vote Josh Jones, fourth-generation Californian. Vote for human rights and strong leadership. www.candidate-statements-cost-25-dollars-a-word.com

Gloria Estela La Riva — Peace And Freedom

Occupation: Graphic artist

Candidate Info: For too long, corporations, banks and the Pentagon have dominated society. The result: Half of all people live in or near poverty. Housing cost is skyrocketing. Immigrants get scapegoated. The prison population and police repression grow. The environment is being destroyed. Enough! Vote socialist! Get involved!

Peter Y. Liu — Republican

Occupation: No ballot designation

Candidate Info: #cesp5

Albert Caesar Mezzetti — Democratic

Occupation: Retired educator

Website: Not provided

Hakan “Hawk” Mikado — No party preference

Occupation: CEO/business owner

Candidate Info: “A True American Is Proud To Live In The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave. A True American Stands Up For Their Brothers & Sisters To Make Our Country The Best Country In The World. True Americans Fight For Their Right To Freedom. True Americans Uphold Their Given Right To Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit Of Happiness. A True American Puts America & Her Needs First Above Their Own. True Americans Believe In The Power Of Popular Vote And A Powerful Popular Vote. A True American Values Sensible & Reasonable Jurisdiction Of Federal & State Governments Over Her People. A True American Never Folds To Oppression, Invasion Of Privacy, Or The Right Given To Them By The Founding Fathers Of Our Great Nation, These United States Of America.True Americans Give A Hand Up, Not A “Hand Out”, To Those In Need. Every True American Carries The Torch Of Liberty & Justice For All. A True American Calls For Sustainable Economic & Political Government Practices. A True American Creates Opportunities & Ownership Of Those Opportunities. True Americans Deserve And Demand Publicly Directed Government Spending To Uphold What They Hold Most Dear. I Am A True American And I Believe In Freedom For My Future, Join Me to Make It Happen.”

Robert C. Newman II — Republican

Occupation: Research clinical psychologist

Candidate Info: Pro: God, life, U.S. Constitution, parental rights, property rights, business

Limited: Government, taxes, regulations

No: Geo-engineering, con-con

Gavin Newsom — Democratic

Occupation: Lieutenant governor/businessman

Candidate Info: On a wide range of topics including same-sex marriage, gun safety, marijuana, the death penalty, universal health care, access to preschool, paid family leave, technology, criminal justice reform, sugary drinks and the minimum wage, Gavin stuck his neck out and did the right thing, which often led to sweeping changes when his policies were ultimately accepted, embraced, and replicated across the state and nation. Gavin’s top priorities are economic development (creating jobs and reducing poverty), education (increasing affordable access to quality schools at all levels), protecting the environment, and justice – ensuring California continues to lead by example while actively resisting any attempt by the Trump administration to take us backwards.

Amanda Renteria — Democratic

Occupation: COO, Justice Department

Candidate Info: Government works best when inspiring public servants do the people’s business with humility, enthusiasm, and skill. From Washington to Sacramento, we run into problems when politicians are allowed to buy their way into office and use their power for personal benefit. In order to run for office, I recently stepped down from the senior team at the California Department of Justice. As the DOJ’s chief of operations, I led a team of 1,000 dedicated public servants and managed an $850 million budget. The DOJ has locked up human traffickers, cracked down on polluters, protected immigrants’ rights, fought for women’s healthcare, shielding seniors from Medi-Cal fraud, and secured millions in student refunds from shady for-profit colleges. Prior to the DOJ, I was a math teacher in the Central Valley, a budget analyst for the city of San Jose, an economic policy adviser to Senator Feinstein, and the first Latina chief of staff in U.S. Senate history. This gives me the deepest policy experience in the race, but mostly it shows that I’ve treated public service as a lifelong calling. Californians take pride in being on the frontiers of change in America. That’s why we can’t sit back any longer. We need fresh faces and new ideas this year. It’s time to shake things up. Learn more about our movement at www.amandarenteria.com.

Michael Shellenberger — Democratic

Occupation: Environmental organization executive

Candidate Info: I am a lifelong progressive Democrat who has fought for social justice and the environment my entire life. I was awarded Time magazine’s “Hero of the Environment” for telling the truth about climate change. I am running for governor to create abundant housing, good jobs, and world-class schools. Expensive housing is destroying the California Dream. We have America’s highest poverty rate and the greatest inequality. I have a bold new vision, “California for All”: Break up the corrupt Public Utilities Commission and clean up government contracting. Help communities across the state share the responsibility of building new homes. Create good jobs in high-tech manufacturing. Personalize education so every child benefits from one-on-one tutoring and digital learning. Pioneer cheap, clean energy and electric self-driving cars to prevent traffic jams and the deaths of more than three thousand Californians yearly. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Michael

Desmond Silveira — No party preference

Occupation: Senior software engineer

Candidate Info: Endorsed by American Solidarity Party, which stands for sanctity and dignity of human life, social justice, environmental stewardship and peace.

Jeffrey Edward Taylor — No party preference

Occupation: Marketplace Minister

Candidate Info: None available

Klement Tinaj — Democratic

Occupation: CEO/educator/artist

Candidate Info: I, Klement Tinaj, am running for the governor of California because I want to bring jobs back to the working class, invest in our schools and after-school programs, fix roads, improve our transportation and offer more affordable housing. I want to make sure that our veterans and the men and women in uniform who risk their lives everyday to keep us safe are taken care of.

Antonio Villaraigosa — Democratic

Occupation: Public policy adviser

Candidate Info: Making our state work for everyone starts with making sure everyone has a voice. I’m running for governor to do big things — starting with rebuilding our middle class by investing in our schools and repairing our infrastructure. But we’re never going to make this state work for us again unless we give voice to the people who are all too often not heard in Sacramento. That’s what my campaign is about — giving voice to everyone. That’s what my service as governor will be about — making sure the people are heard in Sacramento and their priorities are addressed.

Johnny Wattenburg — No party preference

Occupation: Business owner

Candidate Info: Why not!

Nickolas Wildstar — Libertarian

Occupation: Recording artist

Candidate Info: I’m running for governor because elected politicians no longer represent the people of this state. As a 20 year working class professional, I will defend residents from unnecessary taxation, regulatory bureaucracy and skyrocketing costs of living. As a Libertarian, I will not compromise your liberty for special interest groups desires and will uphold the United States Constitution. And as governor, I will proudly serve for all of the people of California. Please allow me this honor by choosing Wildstar for governor and let’s bring back liberty!

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin