California Primary Nears June 2 With 2 Democrats More Likely to Advance
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 31
California Primary Nears June 2 With 2 Democrats More Likely to Advance
5 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 31
June 2’s top-two primary now looks more likely to send Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer to November than produce the once-feared scenario of two Republicans advancing, according to POLITICO’s panel of California reporters.
Becerra surged into the Democratic lead after Eric Swalwell’s campaign collapsed, while Steyer climbed into contention after spending about $200 million of his own money; Katie Porter has fallen into single digits.
Democratic voters are still holding ballots unusually late, especially older reliable primary voters, as they wait for signs of which Democrat is best positioned to reach the runoff and vote strategically.
Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco remain at risk of splitting the GOP vote, even as party operatives see Hilton as a turnout driver who could help down-ballot candidates despite long odds in November.
The race has become a test of California’s fragmented politics, where late digital momentum, self-funding limits and weak party coordination have upended expectations about who can break through statewide.
How did one campaign's sudden implosion completely reshape the entire race for California's top office?
Can a record-breaking $200 million war chest buy a victory, or does wealth have its limits?
California’s 2026 Gubernatorial Primary: Polls, Voter Turnout Crisis, and the Battle Over Top-Two Elections
Overview
As California’s June 2, 2026, gubernatorial primary nears, the race is highly dynamic, shaped by recent polling, shifting voter sentiment, and changes in the candidate field. Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton lead with about 20% support each, while Tom Steyer, Chad Bianco, and Katie Porter follow with 10–15%. The withdrawal of Eric Swalwell caused significant shifts, especially boosting Becerra’s support. No other candidates have reached double digits. These developments highlight how candidate exits and evolving voter preferences are making the outcome unpredictable, with many voters still open to changing their minds just before Election Day.