Full Breakdown
California 2026 Gubernatorial Primary: Becerra, Hilton, and the Endorsement Battle
5/24/2026, 6:21:12 AM
Core Contest Overview
The June 2, 2026 top-two primary pits former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra, ex-Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, billionaire Tom Steyer and Sheriff Chad Bianco. The top two vote-getters, any party, advance to the November election.
Race Evolution and Candidate Profiles
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal in late April after sexual-misconduct allegations cleared the field, lifting Becerra—former HHS secretary and California attorney general—into the Democratic lead. Hilton, buoyed by a Trump endorsement, remains the Republican front-runner. Steyer pushes a full single-payer plan; Bianco, a cross-party alternative, attacks Hilton’s Trump tie-up.
Poll Numbers and Voter Landscape
An Evitarus poll (May 14-16) shows Hilton and Becerra tied at 22 % each, Steyer at 15 %, Bianco at 11 %, Porter at 6 % and Mahan at 4 %. About half of Republicans and one-third of Democrats have already mailed ballots.
Official Endorsements & Responses
President Joe Biden told former chief of staff Ron Klain he will stay neutral, noting his “big fan” view of Becerra but ties to other candidates. Donald Trump praised Hilton as “a truly fine man” and pledged aid. Becerra’s campaign highlighted “real relief now” while keeping a long-term single-payer goal. Hilton said one Republican can advance under top-two system.
Health-Care Policy Debate
Becerra offers a 12-point plan emphasizing preventive care, telehealth and protection of Medi-Cal and CalFresh amid federal cuts. Critics, including the California Nurses Association, say the shift abandons a full single-payer goal; his team cites Trump-era Medicaid cuts as a barrier.
Campaign Ground Reports
During a Dulane’s Crewnshaw rally, Becerra appeared with Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Mayor Rex Richardson, who urged voters to back him June 2. Hilton, in an X video, warned a Bianco vote would “be a vote for two Democrats in the top two,” framing the race.
Conflicting Evaluations of Becerra’s Record
Former Justice Department spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa called Becerra “not effective in government,” while former White House COVID coordinator Ashish Jha defended his pandemic response. No consensus exists on voter impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He told me that he is a big fan of Xavier, he likes Xavier, appreciates the job he did, but that there are other people in the race who he also has a relationship with,” — Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff
- “While Steve should rightfully be proud, rightfully be proud of being endorsed by President Trump, we have to actually realize, is that a good thing in California?” — Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff
- “Since my early years in Congress, I have been an advocate for single payer,” — Xavier Becerra, gubernatorial candidate
- “Single payer is the right goal, but we need to be realistic about what’s possible under the Trump Administration,” — Jonathan Underland, Becerra campaign spokesperson
What’s Next
Mail-in ballots are already in voters’ mailboxes. The June 2 primary will decide the two contenders, likely leaving Hilton against either Becerra or Steyer, setting up a November showdown over health-care policy and California’s fiscal direction.
