Full Breakdown
Becerra and Hilton Advance as California’s Gubernatorial Primary Highlights Slow Ballot Count
6/9/2026, 11:01:33 PM
Primary Outcome and Vote Totals
On June 2, 2026, California’s nonpartisan “jungle” primary produced a narrow two-person field for the November gubernatorial race. Former Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra led with roughly 26.7-27 % of the vote, while former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton trailed by less than one point at 26.4-26.8 %. Billionaire Tom Steyer fell to third with about 21 % after 68 % of ballots were tallied. The Associated Press and state officials called the race after about two-thirds of the 23 million votes were counted, but county clerks continue processing an estimated 368 000 mail-in ballots.
Background: Top-Two Primary and Mail-In Voting
California’s top-two primary places all candidates on a single ballot; the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party. The state’s reliance on mail-in voting and extensive signature verification extends the counting timeline. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office notes that each county sets its own staffing and budget, creating uneven processing speeds across the state.
Key Candidates and Platforms
- Xavier Becerra (Democrat): Emphasizes experience, pledges a state of emergency to freeze utility and home-insurance rates, and signals a modest slowdown of greenhouse-gas mandates to curb gas prices. He grades Gov. Newsom “A for effort” on homelessness.
- Steve Hilton (Republican): Promises the first $100,000 of income tax-free, increased oil production, tuition freezes, and a rollback of regulations he says drive high living costs.
- Tom Steyer (Democrat, eliminated): Ran on a $215 million self-funded platform to break up utilities, eliminate private health insurance, and impose higher taxes on corporations and the ultra-wealthy.
Timeline of the Race
- June 2: Primary election held.
- June 5: Becerra takes a slim lead; Hilton and Steyer remain within a point of each other.
- June 6: AP projects Becerra and Hilton as the top two; ballot counting continues.
- June 8-9: Media outlets report ongoing tallies and highlight the slow count.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 60 candidates appeared on the ballot.
- Campaign spending reached $316 million, the most expensive gubernatorial race in U.S. history; Steyer contributed $215 million, accounting for 64 % of total ad spend.
- Cost-of-living metrics: gasoline $6.08 per gallon (AAA), median home price $775 000 (Legislative Analyst’s Office), residential electricity rates second-highest nationally (EIA).
Why It Matters
Becerra would become the first elected Latino governor in more than a century, reflecting the state’s roughly one-third Hispanic electorate. The race also pits a Trump-endorsed Republican against a Democratic establishment figure, drawing national attention and prompting President Donald Trump to allege “vote stealing.” The prolonged count has spurred calls for an “Emergency Election Support Corps” and a federal probe into potential fraud.
Official Statements & Responses
Gov. Newsom urged county officials to accelerate processing, warning that delays fuel misinformation. Becerra’s campaign framed his advance as a repudiation of “bullying” and pledged to defend Californians against federal overreach. Hilton demanded an executive order to create an emergency corps, labeling California “the laughingstock of the nation.” Trump posted on Truth Social that Democrats are “stealing the vote.” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced a comprehensive audit of voter rolls in Los Angeles.
Criticism & Opposition
Hilton criticized Newsom’s handling of ballot counts, comparing California unfavorably to India’s election speed. Steyer accused corporate interests of “ripping off” Californians and warned that the current system favors entrenched utilities. Trump’s unfounded fraud claims have been labeled misinformation by election officials.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Los Angeles substitute teacher Rosamaria Cerezo said she and her husband hold two jobs to make ends meet, underscoring the cost-of-living theme. Retired therapist Tamara Alton endorsed Becerra for his experience, stating, “I’m going with him because I want somebody that knows what they’re doing.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Vote-share figures for Becerra vary across sources (26.7 % vs 27 % vs 26.8 %). The exact number of remaining uncounted ballots differs, with estimates ranging from 368 000 to “millions” in some reports. No definitive timeline for final certification has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Guess what? The underdog stayed in the fight,” — Xavier Becerra, election-night rally
- “You can have all these great inflated promises,” — Xavier Becerra, criticism of opponents
- “We should have a system based on fairness, not asking for fairness,” — Tom Steyer, campaign event
- “Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,” — Steve Hilton, post-polls statement
- “If India can count over 600 million ballots in 24 hours, surely California can count a tiny fraction of that number in twice the time.” — Steve Hilton, press conference
What’s Next
The November general election will pit Becerra against Hilton unless a runoff upset occurs. State legislators are expected to debate ballot-count reforms, and federal investigators will continue reviewing Los Angeles voter-roll data. Both campaigns are mobilizing fundraising and outreach ahead of the fall contest.
