Story perspectives

Trump Backs Hilton; Becerra Leads June Primary Poll

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Public Policy Institute of California poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra at 23% and Republican Steve Hilton at 20%, positioning them to claim the top two spots in California’s June 2, 2026 gubernatorial primary.
President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in early April, raising the Republican’s visibility ahead of the primary.
Voters support a one-time wealth tax on billionaires (54%) and a majority (59%) back the state’s top-two primary system.

History

Historical Context

In June 2010 California voters approved Proposition 14, a constitutional amendment authored by Senator Abel Maldonado and backed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with 54 % support. The measure replaced partisan primaries with a nonpartisan top-two ballot for all statewide offices. That framework now shapes the 2026 gubernatorial contest between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, as the two leading candidates vie for the state's top post.

1 of 2

Story summary

A Public Policy Institute of California poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra at 23% and Republican Steve Hilton at 20%, positioning them to claim the top two spots in California’s June 2, 2026 gubernatorial primary.
President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in early April, raising the Republican’s visibility ahead of the primary.
Voters support a one-time wealth tax on billionaires (54%) and a majority (59%) back the state’s top-two primary system.

1 / 2