Former governor Jerry Brown, to whom the term limits did not apply due to a grandfather clause, defeated Meg Whitman in the general election and was sworn into office on January 3, 2011.

As of 2024, this remains the most recent time the governor's office in California has changed partisan control.

[29] During their final debate at the 2010 Women's Conference a week before the election, moderator Matt Lauer asked both candidates to pull attack ads for the rest of the election, which elicited loud cheers from the audience.

"[30] The Los Angeles Times reported that nearly $250 million was spent on the Governor's race.

[32] As of 2024, this is the last time the American Independent Party ran in a California gubernatorial election.

Cut regulations (speed up regulatory processes and eliminate duplicative functions; develop CEQA guidelines; fully utilize administrative law; update outdated technology systems 5.

Utilize alternative paths to the classroom to attract high quality teachers Jerry Brown[37]

Higher education (create new state master plan; focus on community colleges and transfer credits) 2.

Simplify the Education Code and return more decision-making to local school districts 6.

A more balanced and creative school curriculum (science, history, and humanities; experiment with online, etc.)