California Governor winner?
In 2026
$1.1M Vol.Closes Nov 3, 2027
Democratic party$301K Vol.93%
Republican party$841.7K Vol.6%
In 2026
The top two candidates from the June 2 primary, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, are competing in the November 3 general election to succeed termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom.
The race features former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra representing Democrats and Fox News contributor Steve Hilton representing Republicans.
California uses an all-party primary system where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, creating a rare scenario where two Republicans could have advanced if Democrats split their votes.
The winner will govern the United States' largest economy and a state with 10% of the U.S. population, shaping policies on housing, homelessness, and climate for millions of residents.
Note: California's all-party primary system makes this election unusually susceptible to vote-splitting among Democrats, which previously generated a 27% statistical chance of a Republican faceoff in November before Becerra and Hilton advanced.
Ten candidates officially filed to run for California governor, including eight Democrats and two Republicans, setting up a wide-open contest where two Republicans previously led polls.
calmatters.orgnypost.comEarly May debates featured six Democrats and two Republicans who met criteria to participate, with polling showing Becerra and Steyer leading Democrats while Hilton and Bianco led Republicans.
usnews.comThe 2026 California gubernatorial primary concluded on June 2 with Democrat Xavier Becerra (27.98%) and Republican Steve Hilton (24.59%) advancing as the top two vote recipients to the November general election.
WikipediaThe California gubernatorial general election will be held, with voters selecting between Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton to determine the next governor.
AI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.
Xavier Becerra leads the Democratic field with 19% of the vote among likely voters in an April 28 EMC Research poll, demonstrating strong support within California's predominantly Democratic electorate.
usnews.comThe Democratic Party has eight candidates running, including former Attorney General Becerra and activist Tom Steyer, providing organizational depth and established political networks to mobilize voters.
calmatters.orgkqed.orgBecerra's credentials as former California Attorney General and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary offer federal and state-level executive experience that appeals to voters seeking proven leadership.
Wikipediacalmatters.orgAI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.
Steve Hilton led in multiple polls before the primary, polling alongside Becerra and Steyer as the top Republican challenger, indicating strong cross-party appeal and potential to unite conservative voters.
calmatters.orgabc7.comTwo Republicans aligned with former President Trump were leading in polls within traditionally Democratic California, suggesting the GOP base is energized and could outperform historical expectations.
nbclosangeles.comThe Democratic Party's February convention failed to endorse a single candidate, creating fragmentation and pressure on lower-polling candidates to drop out rather than consolidate support behind one nominee.
calmatters.orgAI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.