David Bridges
California is on the brink of a significant political transformation. As Governor Gavin Newsom prepares to conclude his term this year, voters have made their choices in the 2026 primary election for the next governor. The candidates have promised innovative policies aimed at addressing the state’s pressing affordability and housing challenges, narrowing the contest down to Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra.
During his campaign, Becerra has committed to opposing Donald Trump’s policies if he becomes governor.
“Californians are well aware of disasters, but Donald Trump represents a man-made disaster that impacts Californians daily,” Becerra claims in his campaign statements. “As California’s Attorney General, I successfully sued the Trump Administration over 120 times, achieving landmark victories that safeguarded Obamacare and protected working Californians and Dreamers from attacks.”
In response, Hilton’s campaign focuses on painting a grim picture of the state, describing it as “sadly famous for dystopian scenes of crime, chaos, and squalor.” He attributes the devastation seen during the 2025 Los Angeles County fires to the “staggering incompetence of the Democrat one-party rule” and pledges to “make California Golden again,” a phrase reminiscent of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Stay informed with the latest updates on the California gubernatorial primary race below.
What Are the Results of the California Governor Primary Election?
Since this is a primary election, no candidate has yet been declared the outright winner. The final decision on California’s next governor will occur in November 2026 during the general election.
The two candidates with the highest votes from the primary will move forward to the general election this fall.
Who Currently Leads in the California Governor Race?
As of the latest reports, Hilton is leading the polls with 27.8 percent, according to CNN. Becerra follows closely behind at 25.4 percent, while Steyer stands at 19 percent.
If these polling numbers hold steady after all votes are counted, Hilton and Becerra are likely to proceed to the general election.
Who Might Become the Next Governor of California?
It remains challenging to predict who will emerge as California’s next governor. The outcome hinges on effective campaigning and which candidate can persuade residents of a positive vision for change once Newsom’s term concludes.
Ivy Caldwell
Maya Kensington
