Hilton, Becerra Run Even at 26% With 40% Counted in California Governor Primary
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 3
Hilton, Becerra Run Even at 26% With 40% Counted in California Governor Primary
3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Jun 3
More than 40% of ballots counted showed Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra tied at about 26% each in California's governor primary.
Tom Steyer trailed in third at 20%, with Republican Chad Bianco at 11%, leaving the second runoff spot highly competitive as returns continue.
The early count broadly matched recent polling that had Becerra leading, but it sharpened the fight between Hilton and Steyer over whether a Republican reaches the next round.
The crowded field includes several Democrats under 5%, raising the possibility that two Democrats could still advance from what observers called California's most competitive gubernatorial primary in years.
With starkly different plans for housing, whose approach offers a more realistic solution for California's affordability crisis?
How will a looming taxpayer protection act challenge the next governor's ability to fund campaign promises?
Inside California’s 2026 Governor Primary: Over 60 Candidates, Tight Margins, and the Race for November’s Ballot
Overview
The California gubernatorial primary, underway as of June 3, 2026, features all candidates on a single ballot competing to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. The race for the top two spots advancing to the November general election is highly dynamic, with recent developments causing a significant shift in the perceived frontrunners. Steve Hilton, after announcing his candidacy, quickly became a leading contender and at one point seemed almost guaranteed a place in the general election. However, as voters in the deep-blue state solidify their choices, the competitive landscape has shifted, making the outcome uncertain and every vote crucial.