In California, the gubernatorial race is set for a runoff in November between Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, and Steve Hilton, a conservative former Fox News host. Hilton finished second in the state's nonpartisan primary held on June 6, 2026, while Becerra led the primary results. The primary saw Tom Steyer, a billionaire philanthropist, fall short despite running on a progressive platform.
Hilton's candidacy, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, reflects a level of dissatisfaction among voters with the Democratic candidates. Becerra, who has previously served as California's attorney general, ran a campaign focused on his credentials and received endorsements from notable political figures and labor unions. However, he faced criticism for his actions during his tenure as attorney general and as HHS secretary.
If Hilton wins in November, he would become California's first Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger. The election is expected to attract a heavily Democratic voter turnout, which may favor Becerra.