Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
As of the latest counts (roughly 55-60% of expected ballots reported), Hilton holds a narrow lead around 27-28% , with Becerra close behind at 25-26%
As of the latest counts (roughly 55-60% of expected ballots reported), Hilton holds a narrow lead around 27-28% , with Becerra close behind at 25-26%
Sacramento, CA - With ballots still being tallied days after the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election, California voters have set up several key matchups for the November general election. Under the state's top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes advance regardless of party.
Governor--The marquee race remains too close to call but has produced a clear top two: Republican Steve Hilton (former Fox News host and political adviser) and Democrat Xavier Becerra (former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General) are advancing.
As of the latest counts (roughly 55-60% of expected ballots reported), Hilton holds a narrow lead around 27-28% , with Becerra close behind at 25-26% . Billionaire activist Tom Steyer (D) trails in third at approximately 19-20% , followed by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (R) in the low double digits. Multiple other candidates, including former Rep. Katie Porter and San José Mayor Matt Mahan , have conceded.
This sets up a Democrat-vs-Republican general election contest to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom - a rarity in recent cycles that avoids a potential intra-party Democratic general.
Lieutenant Governor--Gloria Romero (R, former Democratic state legislator) and Fiona Ma (D, current State Treasurer) lead and are positioned to advance, with Romero holding a slight edge around 19-20% and Ma close behind. Other Democrats like Josh Fryday trail further back.
Secretary of State--Incumbent Shirley N. Weber (D) is a strong favorite to advance and likely win re-election in November, leading with over 54% in early counts against Republican Donald P. Wagner (around 41%).
Attorney General--Incumbent Rob Bonta (D) dominates with roughly 53% and advances alongside Republican challenger Michael Gates .
Insurance Commissioner--Two Democrats are on track for a same-party November matchup: Jane Kim (former San Francisco Supervisor) leads with about 24% , followed by state Sen. Ben Allen at around 19% . Republican Stacy Korsgaden sits in third at 17%
Other Statewide Offices-- Controller, Treasurer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction : Early returns show Democratic incumbents or establishment figures performing strongly, with top-two pairings generally featuring one Democrat and one Republican (or two Democrats in some cases). Full details continue to update as more mail ballots are processed.
Key Context
- Turnout and Counting: Statewide turnout was modest, in the low-to-mid 30% range. California's vote-by-mail system means counting continues, with postmarked ballots accepted until June 9 and full certification targeted for early July.
- Notable Trends : Self-funded candidates (including Steyer) underperformed relative to spending. Experienced Democrats consolidated support effectively. No major "shutout" occurred, ensuring Democratic representation in the top spots for most races.
Official results are available at the California Secretary of State's election results portal: [electionresults.sos.ca.gov](https://electionresults.sos.ca.gov/). County-level updates, including Los Angeles, continue daily.
The November 3, 2026, general election will decide these statewide offices amid a national midterm landscape.
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