Candidates Make Final Push as June 2 Vote Approaches
The California governor race has entered its most intense phase yet. With the June 2 primary arriving, candidates are sprinting across the state to win over millions of voters. This is the first open race for California’s top office since 2018. Incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot run again. Therefore, a wide and competitive field has stepped up to replace him. The outcome will shape the future of the nation’s most populous state for years to come.
Why This Race Matters So Much
California Leads the Nation
California is the world’s fifth-largest economy. Consequently, who governs the state carries enormous national and global significance. The next governor will face major challenges including housing affordability, homelessness, immigration policy, and climate change.
Seven in ten likely voters say they are closely following the California governor’s race. That includes majorities across all partisan groups — 68% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans, and 65% of independents. PPIC
Furthermore, 62% of likely voters say they feel satisfied with their candidate choices in the governor’s race. That level of engagement signals a genuinely competitive election. PPIC
Who Is Leading the California Governor Race?
Becerra Holds the Edge
A University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll places Democrat Xavier Becerra in the lead with 25% support. Republican Steve Hilton follows at 21%, and Democrat Tom Steyer trails closely at 19%. Chad Bianco and Katie Porter sit at 16% and 13% respectively. ABC7 San Francisco
Therefore, three candidates have clearly separated themselves from the wider pack. However, the margins remain tight enough that the primary outcome is far from certain.
A Public Policy Institute Poll Confirms the Trend
A Public Policy Institute of California poll released around the same time reinforced this dynamic. It pointed to the same leading contenders pulling ahead of the rest of the field. ABC7 San Francisco
Meanwhile, the race shifted significantly after Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out following accusations of sexual misconduct. In the aftermath, Xavier Becerra quickly moved into the top tier of candidates. Race to the WH
Meet the Top Candidates
Xavier Becerra — Democrat
Becerra has been highlighting his more than 35 years in state and federal office. “This is not a place for on-the-job training,” he said. “You better know what you’re doing.” NBC Los Angeles
He previously served as California Attorney General and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden. When announcing his candidacy, Becerra warned that “the California Dream is slipping away” for working families facing a housing and affordability crisis. Patch
Steve Hilton — Republican
Hilton is a British-born former Fox News host and tech entrepreneur. He has built a loyal base among California conservatives. Moreover, he has focused his campaign on reducing government regulation and tackling the state’s high cost of living.
Tom Steyer — Democrat
Steyer is a billionaire climate activist and former Democratic presidential candidate. His advertising spending in the California governor’s race has broken records. He has leaned heavily into progressive economic and environmental messaging throughout the campaign. ABC7 San Francisco
Chad Bianco — Republican
Bianco has a three-decade career in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and was elected sheriff in 2018. He wants to suspend numerous state regulations, particularly environmental ones, and pledges to overturn the state’s sanctuary law. He also wants to boost oil and gas production and eliminate the income tax and the gas tax. CalMatters
Katie Porter — Democrat
Congresswoman Porter has focused her campaign on economic relief for everyday Californians. “I have concrete plans to bring down costs, like eliminating taxes for Californians earning less than $100,000,” Porter told supporters in Orange County. ABC7 San Francisco
Key Issues Driving the California Governor Race
What Voters Care About Most
The California governor race revolves around several critical policy areas. Candidates have been forced to stake out clear positions on each one:
- Housing affordability — Skyrocketing rents and home prices remain the top voter concern
- Homelessness — Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco continue to struggle with large unhoused populations
- Immigration — California’s sanctuary policies remain sharply contested
- Climate and environment — Wildfires, drought, and emissions rules divide candidates sharply
- Taxes and cost of living — Voters want relief from some of the nation’s highest state taxes
- Public safety — Crime and policing remain hot-button issues across the state
The Affordability Crisis Takes Center Stage
Nearly every major candidate has addressed California’s growing affordability problem. Additionally, the state’s ongoing housing shortage has forced voters to weigh which candidate offers the most credible solution. Therefore, economic messaging has dominated the final weeks of the campaign.
How California’s Primary System Works
The Top-Two Primary Explained
California uses a top-two primary system. Under this system, all candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot. The two candidates with the most votes advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
About 59% of likely voters say the top-two primary system has been mostly good for California since voters approved it in 2010. PPIC
Therefore, it is entirely possible that two Democrats — or two Republicans — could advance to the general election in November. Analysts say the most likely scenario involves Becerra and either Hilton or Steyer making the cut.
The Final Campaign Push
Candidates Fan Out Across California
The top candidates spread across the state in their final campaign push. Becerra, Hilton, Steyer, and Bianco all made stops in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fresno and Los Angeles also served as major campaign destinations over the final weekend. NBC Los Angeles
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan made the case for pragmatic change. “A vote for me is a vote for the common-sense, pragmatic change the California Democratic Party needs,” he told voters. ABC7 San Francisco
Meanwhile, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown predicted voter turnout could fall short. “Simply because there are so many people on the ballot — and none are superstars,” Brown said, comparing the current field unfavorably to past governors like Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown. ABC7 San Francisco
Mail Ballot Warning for Voters
Election officials issued an important reminder to California voters ahead of Tuesday’s vote. A recent U.S. Postal Service processing change means some ballots mailed close to Election Day may not receive a postmark in time to be counted. Officials urge voters to use an official ballot drop box, voting center, or county elections office instead. ABC7 San Francisco
Background: Replacing Gavin Newsom
An Open Seat Since 2018
California last held an open governor’s race in 2018. Newsom, who has served as governor since January 2019, is term-limited and will leave office in 2027. Ballotpedia
His tenure has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic response, landmark climate legislation, and ongoing battles over homelessness and housing. However, critics point to rising costs, high taxes, and unsolved quality-of-life issues as his biggest failures.
The next governor will inherit both his accomplishments and his unfinished business.
What to Watch on Primary Night
Key Numbers and Moments to Follow
As results come in on June 2, here is what observers should watch closely:
- Becerra’s final margin — Does he hold his polling lead or fade late?
- Hilton vs. Bianco — Can Republicans consolidate around one candidate?
- Steyer’s spending payoff — Does his record ad buy translate into votes?
- Voter turnout levels — Low turnout could scramble all predictions
- Second-place finish — Who locks in the second November slot?
Conclusion
The California governor race is entering its defining moment. On June 2, millions of Californians will cast votes that determine which two candidates move on to November’s general election. The stakes are enormous — for housing, climate, public safety, and the economic future of 40 million people.
Therefore, every vote carries real weight in one of the most consequential state elections in the country. Regardless of party, California voters are paying close attention. The next chapter of this historic race begins Tuesday.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Check your county elections website for polling hours, drop box locations, and real-time results.
