Full Breakdown
Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra Secure Top Two Spots in California Gubernatorial Primary
6/10/2026, 4:51:27 AM
Primary Results and Timeline
California’s nonpartisan “jungle” primary on June 2 placed Democrat Xavier Becerra first with about 28 % of the vote and Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton second with 25 % (NBC News, AP, CNN). Tom Steyer trailed in third with 22-23 %. With 88 % of ballots counted, the Associated Press projected the final two-candidate field on June 9.
Background & Context
The top-two system advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, a rule that usually yields two Democrats in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by roughly 4.6 million. The race follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s term-limit departure and a crowded field.
Key Candidates
Steve Hilton, a former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and former Fox News host, became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in April 2024. He advocates tax cuts, reduced bureaucracy, and a “Califordable” agenda. Xavier Becerra, former California attorney general, U.S. congressman, and former health secretary, campaigns on his statewide experience and promises to protect sanctuary-state policies.
Official Statements & Responses
Hilton described the outcome as “Change is coming to California,” pledging tax relief for the first $100,000 of income. Becerra highlighted his crisis-management record and vowed to defend undocumented immigrants. Trump posted on Truth Social that Hilton “will be a great governor” and condemned the mail-ballot count as “an absolute disaster.”
Criticism & Opposition
Becerra retorted, “What does a Fox News talking head know about running government? You’ve never balanced a budget the size of California’s.” Hilton countered, calling Becerra “the ultimate career politician” whose policies have produced “the highest poverty rate, the highest unemployment rate, and the highest cost of living in America.” Trump’s claim of a “rigged” election was rejected by both campaigns.
On-the-Ground Reports
Hilton’s supporters celebrated in Huntington Beach, while Becerra posted on X, “We’re taking this campaign straight to November because every community in California deserves the same chance to thrive.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Hilton’s exact share (24.9 % vs. 25.1 %) and on the remaining uncounted ballots (? 2.4 million). No final certified count is yet available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What an incredible honor to be chosen by Californians to lead the movement for change in the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth. There’s nowhere better than California,” — Steve Hilton, campaign statement.
- “Some of these Democrats on the stage, they talk as if we’re in some parallel universe where Democrats haven’t been running the state for the last 16 years of one-party rule.” — Steve Hilton, debate.
- “California isn’t the problem. Trump’s hatred of our democracy is. In California, we count every vote. Not just the ones Donald Trump likes.” — Xavier Becerra, post.
- “be a great governor” — Donald Trump, post.
What’s Next
The November 2026 general election will pit Hilton against Becerra. Campaigns are expected to focus on housing affordability, immigration, and the state’s $4 trillion economy. The result will test whether a Republican can break a two-decade Democratic streak in California.
