California Governor Primary Narrows to Three-Way Contest
4 verified2 unconfirmed
California’s primary election for governor heads into its final day with no clear frontrunner, as three candidates compete for two spots in the November general election. The race to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom features Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and British political adviser, alongside Democrats Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist, and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra. Early mail voting began in May, but only about 15 percent of ballots had been returned as of Sunday, leaving room for a last-minute shift. Both sources describe the contest as a three-way battle, with the possibility that two Democrats could advance, locking Republicans out of the general election ballot. Some Democratic strategists expressed cautious optimism about their candidates’ prospects, while Hilton warned of a “doomsday scenario” for his party if only Democrats advance. The election comes after a wide-open campaign season marked by the sudden exit of another candidate and more than 50 names originally on the ballot.
What’s verified
The California governor primary election is being held on June 2, 2026, to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
The leading candidates are Republican Steve Hilton and Democrats Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra.
Early mail voting began in early May, with only about 15% of ballots returned by June 1, indicating a late-deciding electorate.
There is a possibility that two Democrats could advance to November, which would leave Republicans off the general election ballot entirely.
Not yet confirmed
Source 1 also reports on the Los Angeles mayor’s race, where incumbent Democrat Karen Bass faces challengers Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman, but Source 2 does not mention that contest.
Source 2 alone mentions the sudden implosion of Eric Swalwell’s candidacy, but Source 1 does not reference Swalwell.
Key figures
Gavin Newsom, outgoing Democratic governor of California (term-limited)
Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for governor, former Fox News host
Tom Steyer, Democratic candidate for governor, billionaire climate activist
Xavier Becerra, Democratic candidate for governor, former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary
Eric Swalwell, former Democratic candidate for governor (mentioned in one source)
Karen Bass, Democratic mayor of Los Angeles (mentioned in one source)
Spencer Pratt, Republican candidate for Los Angeles mayor (mentioned in one source)
Nithya Raman, progressive Los Angeles city council member and mayoral candidate (mentioned in one source)
Sources: abcnews.com, realclearpolitics.com
