With the second term of Governor Gavon Newsom’s time as California governor coming to an end, the California governor primary elections will be held on Tuesday, June 2. The top two finishers from this race will advance to the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
The result of this race will determine California’s direction on issues from the economy to homelessness. Currently, the top candidates for the primary are Steve Hilton (R), Chad Bianco (R), Tom Steyer (D), and Katie Porter (D).
For the last several weeks, Democrat Eric Swalwell has led the race, but amidst recent allegations regarding sexual misconduct and assault he has resigned from his role in congress and dropped out of the race, though his name will still appear on the ballot due to the tardiness of his withdrawal. As of Sunday, April 19, polls by Emerson College show Democrat Tom Steyer and conservatives Steve Hilton and Chadd Bianco as top candidates amongst 55 others.
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, stands at the top of the polls, holding 17% of support. He leads among younger voters, seniors, parents, conservatives, rural voters and high-income groups, at 47% from the Republican group. His campaign leans heavily into ‘positive populism’ and advocates for slashing taxes and reducing government spending. He also focuses on cutting regulations, particularly related to California’s current environmental and energy policies and supporting Second Amendment Rights.
According to Jeff Le, the former deputy cabinet secretary for California Gov. Jerry Brown, he is one of the Republicans “that could finish in the top two; however President Trump endorsed Hilton and polls have already seen a shift between him and […] Bianco” (Desert News).
Another top contender, Democrat Tom Steyer trails closely behind at 14%. According to his website, his policies put a strong focus on curbing California’s high costs of living–incluuding building more housing and lowering electric bills. He also emphasizes closing corporate tax loopholes, supports climate and environment initiatives and the containment of ICE, as well as free education to students through college and equal healthcare opportunity to Californians.
Steyer currently ties for second with Republican Chad Bianco–though across several pollsters besides Emerson College, Hilton and Steyer actually interchange for first and second place. Bianco has served as the Riverside County Sheriff since 2018, who champions “law-and-order” policies as well as tough-on-crime initiatives.
Democrat Katie Porter has served as the US representative from 2019 to 2025 and consumer protection advocate. She currently ties with former US Health Secretary and fellow Democrat Xavier Becerra for fourth place. Becerra’s campaign focuses on universal healthcare and other affordability and public safety initiatives. Both Becerra and Porter stand at 10% of support.
Political analysts mark this election as the most tumultuous and uncertain election in a generation. The Democratic party has run and led California for years, in fact, the percentage of registered Democrats nearly doubles the percentage of Republican voters, according to the Public Policy Institute of California, making the Republican lead somewhat surprising and leaving the Democratic party concerned and uncertain.
Current Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to make an endorsement despite growing public pressure to intervene in the chaotic gubernatorial race.
*All data is as of April 19, 2026 and is continuously changing, visit https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/california-governor-election-polls-2026.html for up-to-date poll tracking*
