Full Breakdown
California Gubernatorial Primary: Crowded Field
4/28/2026, 10:41:11 AM
The Race Landscape
California’s June 2, 2026 primary will advance the top two vote-getters to the November election. Sixty-one names appear on the ballot; eight—Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, Democrats Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Tony Thurmond—debated on April 28. 270toWin polls show Hilton leading with 17-20 percent, Bianco tied with Steyer at 14-15 percent, and Becerra near 13-14 percent. Porter trails at about 10 percent; Mahan around 5 percent.
Background: Jungle Primary and Voter Priorities
The “jungle” primary lets all candidates compete on one ballot, allowing two Republicans to finish first and second and block Democrats from the November race. Voters prioritize affordable housing, gas-tax relief, and cost-of-living relief. Democrats favor housing expansion and climate measures; Republicans emphasize tax cuts and lower gas taxes.
Candidate Profiles
- Xavier Becerra – Former HHS secretary and California attorney general; stresses experience and anti-Trump record.
- Tom Steyer – Billionaire activist; proposes universal health care, corporate tax hikes, utility reform.
- Katie Porter – Former congresswoman; focuses on consumer protection, rejects corporate donations.
- Matt Mahan – San Jose mayor; promises efficiency, no new taxes, gas-tax suspension.
- Steve Hilton – Ex-Fox News commentator; backed by Donald Trump, argues for tax cuts.
- Chad Bianco – Riverside sheriff; runs on law-and-order.
Polling and Money
Steyer has spent over $132 million. Mahan raised $13 million, mainly from Silicon Valley donors. Becerra reported $4.2 million in receipts and $507,000 cash on hand. Porter $2.8 million, Villaraigosa $707,000, Thurmond $62,000. Hilton’s campaign disclosed $4.4 million; Bianco $1.5 million.
Official Statements
Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks warned, “there are too many Democrats in the field,” urging single-digit candidates to reconsider. Governor Gavin Newsom, without endorsing, said he supports “a Democrat in the runoff.” Analyst Garry South described Becerra’s rise as a “smart campaign” highlighting anti-Trump credentials.
Criticism & Opposition
Steyer’s wealth and past fossil-fuel and prison-investment ties draw criticism. Becerra is challenged on limited policy specifics and for giving Gov. Newsom an “A” on homelessness. Republicans argue the fragmented Democratic slate threatens a top-two finish.
Conflicting Reports
Becerra’s polling varies from 12 percent to 15 percent across surveys, within a ±4-point margin of error. The impact of recent endorsements and the exact ballot-mailing timeline remain unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The race is beginning to crystallize with those two at the top,” — David McCuan, politics professor
- “It was the Trump endorsement that really did change this, I think, to the benefit of Democrats more than anything,” — Paul Mitchell, analyst
- “I’m the billionaire who wants to tax other billionaires,” — Tom Steyer, candidate
- “I’m supporting a Democrat in the runoff and look forward to the voters making that decision very shortly,” — Gavin Newsom, Governor
What’s Next
Debates are slated for May 5 on CNN and for early May in Claremont. Ballots will be mailed in early May, leaving roughly two weeks for voters to decide before the June 2 primary.
