Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and Steve Hilton (R-CA) have emerged as the leading candidates in the 2026 California gubernatorial primary race.
This competition signals a high-stakes battle for the most populous U.S. state, as voters weigh nearly two decades of Democratic governance against a Republican challenge. The outcome of the primary will determine the final candidates for the general election in November.
Recent data indicates a tight race at the top. A poll released by the state Democratic Party on May 13 [1] showed Becerra tied with Hilton in voter preferences. Other surveys, including one summarized by CalMatters on May 20, confirm that both Hilton and Becerra lead the field [2].
The race is crowded, with 61 candidates vying for the governor's office [2]. While Becerra and Hilton hold the lead, other candidates remain in the contest, though they trail the front-runners.
Hilton has centered his campaign on a critique of the current state administration. He said, "Californians are fed up with the empire of waste" [3]. Hilton has pointed to the last 16 years of continuous Democratic rule in California as a period where the state has ranked last in various categories [3].
Becerra, who has a long history of public service in California and the federal government, is positioning himself as the primary Democratic alternative. His recent surge in the polls has brought him level with the Republican challenger [1].
Primary voting is currently underway. The results will narrow the field of 61 candidates down to the top contenders for the November general election [2].
“Californians are fed up with the empire of waste.”
The statistical tie between Becerra and Hilton suggests a deeply polarized electorate in California. By framing the race as a referendum on 16 years of Democratic control, Hilton is attempting to mobilize voters who feel the state's current trajectory is unsustainable. Conversely, Becerra's ability to match Hilton's numbers indicates that the Democratic base remains resilient despite the crowded field of candidates.
