California voters are preparing for a pivotal transition as Governor Gavin Newsom\u2019s term ends in 2026. The state\u2019s primary election, held this June, has already highlighted a stark partisan divide and set the stage for a high\u2011stakes general election in November. While no candidate has yet been declared the outright winner, the primary results are narrowing the field to two front\u2011runners: Republican businessman Steve Hilton and Democratic Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Below, we break down how California\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
California uses a \u201ctop\u2011two\u201d primary, a format that differs from the traditional partisan primaries used in most states. All registered voters\u2014regardless of party affiliation\u2014receive 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.<\/p>\n
This system was adopted in 2010 with the goal of encouraging moderate candidates and reducing extreme partisanship. In practice, it often produces a general\u2011election 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\u2011Republican showdown.<\/p>\n
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\u2011vote\u2011getters will appear on the November ballot, where the winner will assume office in January 2027.<\/p>\n
Steve Hilton<\/strong> entered the race as a self\u2011made entrepreneur who built a multi\u2011million\u2011dollar portfolio in technology and real estate. A vocal critic of what he calls \u201cone\u2011party rule,\u201d Hilton has framed his campaign around restoring what he describes as California\u2019s historic prosperity. He frequently references the state\u2019s recent challenges\u2014most notably the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires\u2014as evidence of governmental mismanagement. His slogan, \u201cMake California Golden Again,\u201d mirrors former President Donald Trump\u2019s famous tagline, positioning Hilton as a conservative reformer who wants to cut taxes, reduce regulation, and increase public safety.<\/p>\n Xavier Becerra<\/strong>, the state\u2019s 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\u2019s Secretary of Health and Human Services. He has positioned himself as a defender of progressive policies, emphasizing his legal battles against the Trump administration\u2014more than 120 lawsuits that, according to his campaign, protected the Affordable Care Act, immigrant rights, and workers\u2019 benefits. Becerra\u2019s messaging focuses on expanding affordable housing, strengthening climate\u2011resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding health\u2011care access for all Californians.<\/n\n \n
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