Story perspectives

California Governor Primary: Hilton Leads Becerra by 1%

5/27/2026

Summary

California Voters Primary

California voters are casting ballots in a primary for governor on June 2, 2026, with the top two advancing to November.
Polls show Republican Steve Hilton at 22 percent, Xavier Becerra at 21 percent, and Tom Steyer at 15 percent.
Proposition 14, passed in 2010, created the primary that lets any two highest-vote-getters advance.
County officials start reporting within two hours and must count ballots in 30 days.
The state must certify results within 38 days.

Summary

Secretary Randomizes Ballot

The Secretary of State randomizes the alphabetical order of governor candidates on the ballot, placing all names together.
Because ballots are printed before withdrawals, names of dropped-out contenders can still appear on election day.
Voters must verify each candidate’s current status to avoid unintentionally supporting a non-running contender.
Officials claim the uniform layout and random order prevent partisan bias, though critics warn the system may increase voter confusion.

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California Voters Primary

California voters are casting ballots in a primary for governor on June 2, 2026, with the top two advancing to November.
Polls show Republican Steve Hilton at 22 percent, Xavier Becerra at 21 percent, and Tom Steyer at 15 percent.
Proposition 14, passed in 2010, created the primary that lets any two highest-vote-getters advance.
County officials start reporting within two hours and must count ballots in 30 days.
The state must certify results within 38 days.

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