California Gubernatorial Primary: Open Primary, Candidate Field, and Voting Logistics

California’s gubernatorial primary will be held on June 2, 2026. Under the open-primary system adopted after Proposition 14 (2010), the two candidates receiving the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the November general election.

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The field includes Democrats Xavier Becerra (former HHS secretary), Tom Steyer (billionaire entrepreneur), Matt Mahan (San Jose mayor), Katie Porter (former U.S. representative), Tony Thurmond (state superintendent), and Antonio Villaraigosa (former Los Angeles mayor); Republicans Steve Hilton (former Fox News host) and Chad Bianco (Riverside County sheriff). Former Democratic leaders Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla declined; Eric Swalwell withdrew after misconduct allegations.

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A poll shows Steve Hilton at 22 % and Xavier Becerra at 21 %.

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Voters may mail ballots (postmarked by Election Day, received within seven days), drop them in Ventura County drop boxes or any vote center by 8 p.m. on June 2, or return them via USPS.

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and AnswersCalmatters

All candidates appear on the same side of the ballot; the Secretary of State randomizes alphabetical order. Punched holes aid visually-impaired voters and let workers verify emptiness quickly.

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

Critics argue the system could limit voter choice by allowing two candidates from the same party to advance, an outcome given crowded field and lack of a clear frontrunner.

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The California Secretary of State confirms Proposition 14 governs the open-primary format and that ballot order randomization safeguards fairness. Ventura County Elections stresses the postmark deadline, the 8 p.m. drop-box cutoff, and return options for access.

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

• “All candidates for a contest must appear on the same side of a ballot card, to give each candidate equal placement.” — Vidanewspaper

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

• “They are also listed in a randomized alphabet order established by the Secretary of State, which can make it challenging for voters to locate their preferred candidate in a sea of names.” — Vidanewspaper

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

• “Punch Holes in the Ballot Return Envelope The holes punched into ballot return envelopes are a standard election envelope design consistent with recommendations from the Secretary of State and the Center for Civic Design.” — Vidanewspaper

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

• “The holes serve two purposes: • They help visually-impaired voters locate the signature line; and • They allow election workers to quickly confirm envelopes are empty after ballots are removed for processing.” — Vidanewspaper

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

• “Options to Return Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot Voters have three options for returning their vote-by-mail ballot: Deposit it in an Official Ventura County Elections ballot drop box, no later than 8 PM on Election Day; 2.” — Vidanewspaper

Now’s the Time to VOTE: Ventura County Elections Division Shares Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

After polls close, counties will report preliminary results within two hours. The 30-day counting window and subsequent 38-day certification period will determine the final list of candidates advancing to the November general election.

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