Xavier Becerra (D) and Steve Hilton (R) advanced from the top-two primary for governor of California on June 2, 2026. Of the 61 candidates who ran in the election, Becerra, Matt Mahan (D), Katie Porter (D), Tom Steyer (D), Antonio Villaraigosa (D), Chad Bianco (R), and Hilton led in polling and media attention. Incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) was term-limited.
Eric Swalwell (D) filed to run in the top-two primary. He suspended his campaign on April 12, 2026, after the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported on allegations of sexual misconduct. To read our coverage of these events, click here.
There were 24 Democratic candidates, 12 Republican candidates, one Libertarian candidate, one Peace and Freedom candidate, and 23 no party preference candidates on the ballot. The top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliations.
