The race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom in California is set to narrow as voters prepare to select the two candidates who will advance in the primary election for the gubernatorial race in 2026. This contest has been marked by significant unpredictability and a diverse array of candidates.
California operates under a top-two primary system, allowing the two candidates with the highest votes, regardless of their political affiliations, to proceed to the general election in November.
The gubernatorial race features a blend of individuals from various sectors, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as business and media backgrounds. Recent polling indicates a lack of a clear favorite among the candidates, with many voters still undecided as they approach the primary. Current leading candidates include Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, and Democrats Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, based on early results.
On Tuesday evening, notable candidates such as former Orange County Representative Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledged that they would not be advancing in the race.
Remaining prominent candidates include State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Since 2011, the California governorship has been held by a Democrat, beginning with Jerry Brown’s tenure after the term-limited Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Cost of living issues are a primary concern for many voters, especially in light of recent inflation. A CBS News poll revealed that 70% of registered voters believe the cost of living in California is “unmanageable.” Only 7% feel that the “California Dream” remains achievable, with 29% expressing some confidence and 64% feeling doubtful.
Candidates have been scrutinized on their plans to tackle high living costs, homelessness, energy policies, public safety, immigration issues, rising gas prices, and housing affordability throughout the campaign.
As the leading Republican candidate, Hilton has focused his campaign on the cost of living crisis, pledging to make California “Califordable.” Originally from London and a former strategy director for UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and has criticized Newsom’s approach to housing and homelessness.
During the CBS News Governor’s Debate, Hilton emphasized the need to restore the California dream of home ownership, stating, “We want young people to be able to make their lives here in California.” He received an endorsement from former President Trump in April, who praised him as a “truly fine man” concerned about the state’s decline.
Hilton’s endorsement came over Bianco, who has also been a vocal Trump supporter but has trailed Hilton in recent polls. Bianco has framed himself as a challenger to the Sacramento establishment, claiming that the progressive agenda is detrimental to California.
“California is broken because of what has been happening in Sacramento,” he stated during the debate, calling for a reduction in regulations and taxes.
The Democratic field has experienced significant changes throughout the campaign. In April, Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading contender, suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress amid multiple sexual assault allegations, which he has denied. His exit appeared to benefit Becerra, who has been gaining momentum in a competitive race alongside Hilton and Steyer.
Becerra, who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden and was California’s attorney general from 2017 to 2021, has emphasized his extensive government experience as a key asset for his campaign. “The governor’s office is not a place with training wheels,” he remarked during the debate, stressing the importance of experience in handling national crises.
Steyer, who is positioning himself as the most progressive candidate, has not previously held public office but ran for president in 2020. A billionaire hedge-fund manager, Steyer has criticized Becerra for his fundraising ties to corporations, referring to the race as one involving a “MAGA Republican, a corporate Democrat, and you guys and me.”
Initially, Porter was considered a frontrunner, but her campaign struggled after a contentious interview with CBS News and an incident involving a staffer. Her polling numbers have not recovered despite her attempts to address these events with humor.
As the primary election approaches, the votes are still being counted, and it may take some time for final results to emerge in California.
