Becerra and Hilton Lead in Early California Primary Returns
California Governor Primary Election 2026 Results
Early returns in California’s high-stakes gubernatorial primary election show Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton leading a field of dozens of candidates. With incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited and ineligible to seek re-election, voters in the nation’s most populous state are deciding who will advance to the general election in November. Under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates appear on a single ballot, and the two individuals with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, will move forward to the general election on November 3, 2026.
The contest has been defined by a crowded field and a wide range of policy proposals. Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California Attorney General, has campaigned on his extensive government experience and past legislative successes. Meanwhile, Steve Hilton, a conservative commentator and former advisor, has garnered significant support from the state’s Republican base, bolstered by a late-stage endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Other notable contenders in the race, including billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have also sought to capitalize on voter frustration regarding state crises and affordability.
As officials continue to count ballots, the race remains one of the most closely watched contests in the country, testing the political direction of California following years of Democratic leadership. With many ballots still outstanding, the final standings may shift before the top two spots are officially confirmed. For the most recent updates and detailed vote tallies as they are reported, voters and observers are tracking the latest figures from state election officials. Additional background on the candidate platforms and the state’s primary process provides further context on the diverse range of issues, from environmental policy to economic reform, that have dominated the campaign cycle.
