The governor is elected by the people through the popular election to a four-year term, along with the lieutenant gubernatorial candidate or the incumbent lieutenant governor of California as their running mate. The gubernatorial candidate or incumbent governor must have the majority of the popular vote in order to win the election.
Under Section 5 of the state's constitution forbids anyone from being elected governor more than twice.
Governor-elect of California
The governor-elect is the candidate who has won the state's gubernatorial election and is awaiting inauguration to become the governor.
Inauguration
The governor-elect, or incumbent governor immediately began their four-year team on inauguration day every four years in the month of January, along with the incumbent lieutenant governor and lieutenant governor-elect.
Gubernatorial line of succession
If the governor dies, reigns, or is impeached, the lieutenant governor ranks first in the succession will assume the gubernatorial office and duties.