Story perspectives

Hilton, Becerra Lead Tight Governor Race; Steyer’s $213M Falters

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The June 2, 2026 primary produced a tight governor’s race, with former Fox News host Steve Hilton and former Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra locked in the lead.
Officials expect later counts to favor Democrats because most votes are mailed.
Voters cited housing affordability, homelessness and rising living costs as main concerns.
Tom Steyer’s $213 million self-funded campaign placed him third, showing money alone did not secure a top-two spot.

History

Historical Context

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Citizens United v. FEC on January 21, 2010 declared corporate independent expenditures protected by the First Amendment, overturning earlier limits. That decision opened the way for unlimited spending, a dynamic now evident in the 2026 California gubernatorial primary where Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra compete while billionaire Tom Steyer invests heavily in the race.

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Story summary

The June 2, 2026 primary produced a tight governor’s race, with former Fox News host Steve Hilton and former Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra locked in the lead.
Officials expect later counts to favor Democrats because most votes are mailed.
Voters cited housing affordability, homelessness and rising living costs as main concerns.
Tom Steyer’s $213 million self-funded campaign placed him third, showing money alone did not secure a top-two spot.

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