California voters are preparing for a pivotal transition as Governor Gavin Newsom’s term ends in 2026. The state’s primary election, held this June, has already highlighted a stark partisan divide and set the stage for a high‑stakes general election in November. While no candidate has yet been declared the outright winner, the primary results are narrowing the field to two front‑runners: Republican businessman Steve Hilton and Democratic Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Below, we break down how California’s unique primary system works, profile the leading candidates, examine the issues that dominate the campaign, and look at what the latest polls suggest about the road ahead.
Understanding California’s Top‑Two Primary System
California uses a “top‑two” primary, a format that differs from the traditional partisan primaries used in most states. All registered voters—regardless of party affiliation—receive the same ballot, and they may vote for any candidate listed, even if that candidate belongs to a different party. The two candidates who receive the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the November general election.
This system was adopted in 2010 with the goal of encouraging moderate candidates and reducing extreme partisanship. In practice, it often produces a general‑election matchup that includes two candidates from the same party, especially in heavily Democratic or Republican districts. In a state as politically diverse as California, however, the 2026 gubernatorial primary has produced a classic Democrat‑Republican showdown.
The primary took place on June 5, 2026, and the official vote count will be certified within the next few weeks. Once the results are finalized, the two highest‑vote‑getters will appear on the November ballot, where the winner will assume office in January 2027.
The Main Contenders: Steve Hilton vs. Xavier Becerra
Steve Hilton entered the race as a self‑made entrepreneur who built a multi‑million‑dollar portfolio in technology and real estate. A vocal critic of what he calls “one‑party rule,” Hilton has framed his campaign around restoring what he describes as California’s historic prosperity. He frequently references the state’s recent challenges—most notably the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires—as evidence of governmental mismanagement. His slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” mirrors former President Donald Trump’s famous tagline, positioning Hilton as a conservative reformer who wants to cut taxes, reduce regulation, and increase public safety.
Xavier Becerra, the state’s Attorney General, brings a long record of public service to the race. Before becoming AG, Becerra served as a U.S. Representative and as California’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. He has positioned himself as a defender of progressive policies, emphasizing his legal battles against the Trump administration—more than 120 lawsuits that, according to his campaign, protected the Affordable Care Act, immigrant rights, and workers’ benefits. Becerra’s messaging focuses on expanding affordable housing, strengthening climate‑resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding health‑care access for all Californians.
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