Full Breakdown
California’s Crowded Gubernatorial Primary: The Race to Replace Gov. Gavin Newsom
6/3/2026, 5:21:54 AM
Core Event: Top-Two Primary Concludes Amid 60-61 Candidates
On June 2, California voters completed a statewide primary in which all candidates appear on a single ballot. The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election. Roughly 60-61 contenders—including 45 Democrats, two prominent Republicans, and dozens of lesser-known hopefuls—competed for the open seat left by term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Background & Context: Jungle Primary System and Cost-of-Living Crisis
California’s “jungle” primary, adopted in 2010, forces all parties to compete together, heightening the risk that a split Democratic field could allow two Republicans to advance. The race has been framed by the state’s high cost of living: gasoline averaged $6.08 per gallon (AAA), the state gas tax is about $0.70 per gallon, the median home price is $775,000 (Legislative Analyst’s Office), and residential electricity rates rank second nationally (EIA). Registered voters are 45 % Democratic and 25 % Republican.
Key Candidates & Their Platforms
- Xavier Becerra – former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and state attorney general; stresses experience and opposition to the Trump administration.
- Tom Steyer – billionaire climate activist; proposes a billionaire tax, single-payer health care, and higher corporate taxes.
- Steve Hilton – former Fox News commentator endorsed by Donald Trump; calls for suspending the gas tax, making the first $100 k of income tax-free, and expanding oil production.
- Chad Bianco – Riverside County sheriff; emphasizes law-and-order and a rollback of sanctuary policies.
- Matt Mahan – San Jose mayor; promotes technocratic problem solving and “back to basics” governance.
- Katie Porter – former U.S. representative; runs on anti-corporate, consumer-protection themes.
- Antonio Villaraigosa – former Los Angeles mayor; offers centrist, experience-based proposals.
Data & Statistics: Voter Demographics, Polls, and Campaign Spending
- Registered voters: ~23 million.
- Early-vote return rates: 13 % (PBS), 11 % (AP), 15 % (Associated Press).
- Polls (mid-May): Becerra 23-25 %, Hilton 20-23 %, Steyer 15 % (multiple sources).
- Campaign spending: Steyer $203-$213 million on ads; total primary ad spend exceeds $315 million; outside groups $79 million; “California Is Not For Sale” committee $32 million; corporate support for Becerra $17 million.
- Gas tax: $0.70 per gallon; gasoline price $6.08 per gallon.
Official Statements & Responses: Election Security Law, Party Endorsements, and Trump Endorsement
Gov. Newsom signed a law barring access to voter rolls or election technology without a court order, saying “we have to be prepared for anything.” The California Democratic Party publicly urged lower-polling Democrats to withdraw to avoid a split vote. Labor unions, the Service Employees International Union, and Latino legislative leaders endorsed Becerra. President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, calling him a “truly fine man” and pledging presidential assistance.
Criticism & Opposition: Scrutiny of Leading Candidates
Becerra’s tenure as HHS secretary was criticized for conditions in migrant-children shelters in 2021. Steyer faced attacks over past fossil-fuel and private-prison investments and accusations of “buying the election.” Hilton’s alignment with Trump and his claim that “one-party rule” has failed drew opposition from Democratic officials. Bianco’s seizure of 65,000 ballots in Riverside County prompted a state Supreme Court order to halt the probe. Porter’s temperament was questioned after leaked videos of confrontations with staff.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Nancy LeVesque, a retired store clerk, said she liked Hilton’s “outsider perspective.” Caregiver Tina Varnado told reporters Steyer’s focus on lowering costs “touched home” because she struggles to afford housing and medical bills.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of candidates (60, 61, or “about 60”), on Steyer’s ad spend ($195 M, $203 M, $213 M), and on early-vote participation (11-15 %). Final vote totals remain unavailable as mail-in ballots continue to be counted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The truth is that we’ve gone off track — we’ve got one-party rule,” — Steve Hilton, Republican candidate.
- “The secretary has never met a crisis that he couldn't ignore,” — Matt Mahan, Democratic candidate.
- “This race will come down to those who’ve earned it versus those who are trying to buy it,” — Xavier Becerra, Democratic candidate (CNN).
- “Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!” — Donald Trump, President of the United States.
- “We have to be prepared for anything,” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California.
What’s Next: General Election Outlook
The two candidates with the highest vote totals will face off in November. If Hilton advances, he must attract crossover voters in a state where Democrats hold a 45 % registration advantage. Becerra’s lead in recent polls suggests a Democratic advance, but the final count may take days to weeks due to the mail-in ballot system. The outcome will shape California’s policy direction on housing, energy, and the state’s role as a national progressive stronghold.
