Full Breakdown
Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra Advance to California’s November Gubernatorial Runoff
6/12/2026, 8:26:51 AM
Primary Results: Two-Candidate Runoff Confirmed
The June 2, 2026 nonpartisan “jungle” primary left former Fox News host Steve Hilton (Republican) and former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra (Democrat) as the top two vote-getters, securing the November general-election ballot. The Associated Press, NBC News, and the California Secretary of State’s office all projected the outcome after 88 % of ballots were tallied.
Background & Candidate Profiles
California’s top-two primary allows any candidate, regardless of party, to advance by finishing in the highest two vote totals. The field began with 62 names, including billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and former congresswoman Katie Porter. Hilton, a British-born former adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron and Trump-endorsed in April, positioned himself as an outsider promising “Califordable” reforms. Becerra, a longtime Democrat who served as state attorney general and as Biden’s HHS secretary, emphasized his experience and a record of defending immigrant and health-care rights.
Vote Totals and Campaign Spending
- Xavier Becerra: ? 27.9 % of the vote (? 28 % per Decision Desk).
- Steve Hilton: ? 25 % of the vote (? 24.9 % per AP).
- Tom Steyer: ? 22.5 % (? 22.6 % per NBC).
Democratic registration exceeds Republican registration by roughly 4.6 million voters (about a 2-to-1 advantage). Steyer alone contributed more than $200 million to his campaign; total ad spending in the race topped $327 million, with Steyer accounting for about 63 % of that amount.
Impact and Political Stakes
The runoff pits the first Republican gubernatorial contender in California since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2006 re-election against a Democrat who could become the state’s first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco (1875). Hilton’s Trump endorsement helped him win the Republican primary but may be a liability in a state where 69 % of voters disapprove of the former president. Becerra’s lead reflects consolidation of Democratic voters after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid misconduct allegations.
Official Statements & Criticism
- Becerra’s campaign framed the race as a fight for affordable health care, housing, and education, warning that a Hilton victory would “hand Sacramento to Donald Trump.”
- Hilton’s campaign argued that California needs “clean-up of corruption, lower costs, and a new direction” and pledged to work with the federal government if elected.
- Democratic leaders (including Gov. Gavin Newsom) endorsed Becerra, emphasizing his experience and opposition to Trump-aligned policies.
- Steyer and progressive groups criticized Hilton as “Trump’s hand-picked candidate,” urging Democrats to unite behind Becerra to prevent a Republican win.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My mission is clear: to go to Sacramento, clean up the corruption, cut your costs, help your business, and fix our schools,” — Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate
- “the challenges facing California won’t wait, and neither will we. Let’s carry this momentum all the way to November.” — Xavier Becerra, Democratic gubernatorial candidate
- “It would be a travesty for Steve Hilton to win the governorship, and Californians must unite behind Xavier Becerra to ensure he does not.” — Tom Steyer, billionaire Democratic candidate
- “will stand up to Donald Trump, defend our families, and keep our state moving forward,” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
What’s Next: Campaign Outlook
Both campaigns will intensify fundraising and voter-contact efforts through the summer. Hilton plans to promote voter-ID legislation and tax cuts; Becerra will focus on protecting Medicaid, freezing utility rates, and mobilizing Latino and independent voters. The November 3 general election will determine whether California remains under Democratic control or elects its first Republican governor in two decades.
