Full Breakdown
California’s 2026 Gubernatorial Primary: A Tight Race Under the Jungle System
6/5/2026, 10:58:21 PM
Core Event & Background – Top Two Candidates Emerge in a Crowded Field
On June 2, 2026 Californians voted in the state’s top-two primary for governor. Early counts show Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton leading with roughly 27-28 % of the vote, Democrat former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra close behind at about 25-26 %, and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer in third with around 19-20 %. The race featured more than 60 candidates on a single ballot, a system adopted in 2010 to force all parties into one contest. With $327.6 million spent on ads—$213-216 million from Steyer alone—this primary became the most expensive gubernatorial contest in state history. Counting of the remaining mail-in and drop-box ballots is expected to continue for several weeks, keeping the final outcome uncertain.
Key Figures – Hilton, Becerra, Steyer and Others
Steve Hilton, a British-born former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Trump-endorsed Republican, runs on a “Califordable” platform of tax cuts and deregulation. Xavier Becerra, former California attorney general and Biden-appointed Health Secretary, stresses his experience fighting the Trump administration. Tom Steyer, hedge-fund manager and 2020 presidential candidate, calls himself a progressive “class traitor.” Other candidates include former Rep. Katie Porter and Republican sheriff Chad Bianco, who placed fourth in early returns, also remains in the race.
Why It Matters – Potential Shift in State and National Politics
Hilton could become the first Republican governor since 2011, reshaping policy in a $4 trillion economy; a Becerra-Steyer runoff would keep the office Democratic but expose party splits.
Official Statements – Campaign Messaging
Becerra pledged to “fight Donald Trump” and run a government that “operates on time, under budget and accountable.” Hilton warned a Democrat “cannot win in November” and promised tax cuts and deregulation. Steyer urged voters to let “democracy work.” Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks warned against premature conclusions as ballots are still being tallied.
Criticism & Opposition – Money, Self-Funding, and Party Fragmentation
Garry South warned excess self-funding “becomes a liability”; critics label Steyer’s $200 million spend a “buy-the-election” effort. Party leaders also urged low-polling Democrats to withdraw to prevent a possible Republican sweep.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Vote Percent Discrepancies
Hilton’s share varies: 27 % (NYT), 27.8 % (KCRA), 27.2 % (ABC 10); Becerra’s ranges 24.5-26 %.
Verbatim Quotes – Impactful Direct Voices
- “It may sound facetious to say that you can have too much money in a campaign, but in fact the way these rich self-financing candidates spend their money becomes a liability. …They wear out their welcome.” — Garry South, Democratic strategist
- “Nothing is final yet, but it does look as if change is coming to California.” — Steve Hilton, Republican candidate
- “I think any candidate that goes from 3 % to 25 % in seven weeks has done something remarkable.” — Mike Madrid, political strategist
- “The corporate interests came at us with everything they had and we didn’t back down.” — Tom Steyer, Democratic candidate
What’s Next – Counting and the November Showdown
Officials expect the remaining urban ballots to be counted in two to three weeks. After certification, campaigns will pivot to the November 3 general election, determining California’s next governor; voters will also decide Proposition 50.
