A top-two finish sets up a historic general election clash in California.
The 2026 California gubernatorial primary election concluded with former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra (D) and former Fox News host Steve Hilton (R) securing the top two positions, setting up a general election contest this November. The race was marked by a large field of candidates, the suspension of a leading Democratic candidate, and internal party debates over the state's top-two primary system.
Primary Results
With the final vote count still ongoing, Xavier Becerra led the primary with approximately 28% of the vote, followed by Steve Hilton with 25%. Billionaire activist Tom Steyer (D) finished third with around 23% of the vote. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R) placed fourth with 10%. Other candidates, including former U.S. Representative Katie Porter (D) and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan (D), trailed in the single digits.
Steyer conceded the race on June 4 and endorsed Becerra. Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) also conceded after initial results were reported.
The Candidates
Xavier Becerra (Democrat)
Becerra, 68, served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, as California Attorney General, and as a U.S. Representative for 12 terms. He is the son of Mexican immigrants. If elected, he would be California's first Latino governor since the late 1800s. His campaign emphasized his experience in government and his legal actions against the first Trump administration, which totaled over 120 lawsuits.
Steve Hilton (Republican)
Hilton, a former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a former Fox News host, became a U.S. citizen in 2021. He received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in April. His campaign focused on tax cuts, reducing business regulations, and increasing homeownership. He has proposed eliminating income tax on the first $100,000 of earnings.
Background and Key Events
Crowded Field and Party Concerns
Over 60 candidates, including at least nine major Democrats, entered the race to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom (D). Under California's nonpartisan top-two primary system, all candidates appear on a single ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. This raised concerns within the Democratic Party that a divided field could result in two Republicans advancing, leaving Democrats locked out of the general election.
Party Endorsement and Call for Withdrawals
At the state Democratic Party convention in February, no candidate secured the 60% delegate support needed for the party's endorsement. In March, California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks issued an open letter urging gubernatorial candidates with limited paths to victory to withdraw from the race, stating that a large field could "imperil" democracy. Several candidates criticized the request, with some noting that many of the lower-polling candidates were people of color.
Debate Controversy
A gubernatorial debate scheduled by the University of Southern California (USC) and KABC was canceled less than 24 hours before it was to occur, following criticism that the selection criteria had resulted in the exclusion of all non-white candidates from the field.
Swalwell Campaign Suspension
On April 7, Representative Eric Swalwell (D) suspended his gubernatorial campaign and subsequently resigned from Congress, following reports containing allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. His exit significantly reshaped the race, with Becerra's support increasing in subsequent polls.
Other Candidate Withdrawals
Former State Controller Betty Yee ended her campaign in late April, citing low levels of support. She later endorsed Tom Steyer. Former Assemblyman Ian Calderon withdrew earlier in the race and endorsed Eric Swalwell.
Polling Trends
Early polling showed a competitive race. Following Swalwell's withdrawal, polling data showed Becerra's support rising. A May 19-24 poll showed Becerra leading with 25%, followed by Hilton at 21% and Steyer at 19%. A final Emerson College Polling survey conducted May 27-28 showed Becerra at 28%, Steyer at 22%, and Hilton at 21%.
General Election Context
California has not elected a Republican governor since 2006, and registered Democratic voters outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one.
A pre-primary poll from UC Berkeley showed Becerra leading Hilton 52% to 31% among registered voters. Key issues for the general election include the state's cost of living, housing affordability, homelessness, and wildfire risk.