Sixty-one candidates are running in the top-two primary for governor of California on June 2, 2026
Sixty-one candidates are competing in California's June 2, 2026 gubernatorial primary, with eight frontrunners including Democrats Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Thomas Steyer, Eric Swalwell, and Antonio Villaraigosa, alongside Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton. The race features an unusually large field following term-limited incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom's departure from the office.
Key Points
- Eight candidates lead in polling: six Democrats (Becerra, Mahan, Porter, Steyer, Swalwell, Villaraigosa) and two Republicans (Bianco, Hilton)
- The primary uses California's top-two system, which advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party
- A crowded 61-candidate field reflects the open seat created by Newsom's term limit