The California gubernatorial primary held on June 2, 2026, was highly competitive and too close to call as vote counting continued, with 61 candidates on the ballot [1, 2]. Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra were leading early results and appeared poised to advance to the November general election [1, 2].
Hilton, a former British political strategist and Fox News host backed by former President Donald Trump, pledged to lower living costs and bring change to the state, saying, "Change is coming to California, and it's long overdue," and "Everything is too expensive in California. We’re going to cut people’s costs" [2].
Becerra, a former California attorney general and Biden Cabinet secretary, celebrated his campaign’s performance as historic. He described it as "more than a Hollywood ending. More than a milestone. That's the everyday miracle of living in a state that makes the improbable seem inevitable. And I couldn't have done it without you" [2].
Democrat Tom Steyer, who self-funded his campaign with over $200 million, trailed in third place but continued contesting the results. He said, "It might take some time to figure out where this is going. We’re going to wait until every ballot is counted. We’re going to give democracy time to work" [1, 2].
Two other Democratic candidates, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, conceded shortly after polls closed on June 2 [1].
California's jungle primary system places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party, with the top two advancing to the general election [1, 2]. The incumbent governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, is term-limited and did not seek reelection [1, 2].
The June 2 vote featured a crowded field of 61 candidates, including some who withdrew or changed names during the race [1, 2]. Early morning on June 3, Hilton and Becerra remained the frontrunners as officials continued tallying ballots [2].
