Polling High Importance

Xavier Becerra (D) and Steve Hilton (R) advance from the top-two primary for governor of California

Source: Ballotpedia News June 12, 2026 at 12:34 AM (3 days ago) California Governor Race

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton advanced from California's top-two primary for governor on June 2, 2026, emerging from a crowded field of 61 candidates. The race featured several high-profile Democratic contenders including Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa, along with Republican Chad Bianco.

Key Points

  • Xavier Becerra (D) and Steve Hilton (R) secured spots in the general election runoff
  • The primary featured an unusually large field of 61 candidates with seven leading contenders
  • Multiple prominent Democrats competed, fragmenting the Democratic vote in the primary