California sheriff ordered to return ballots he confiscated in voter ‘fraud’ inquiry Court says Chad Bianco’s conduct unlawful and seizure of ballots ‘creates substantial risk to election integrity’ The Guardian - US · Sep 24
Sheriff must return 650,000 ballots after ‘unlawful’ seizure, California Supreme Court rules Bianco’s ballot inquiry occurred as President Donald Trump has repeatedly disputed the results of the 2020 election, citing unsubstantiated instances of fraud The Independent UK · Sep 24
Newsom Signs New Laws Targeting Election Interference And Outside Military Intervention In California. The California Governor's new legislation will make meddling with ballots a felony and prevent the entry of other states' militaries into California without gubernatorial permission. International Business Times · Sep 20
Xavier Becerra (D) and Steve Hilton (R) advance from the top-two primary for governor of California 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… Ballotpedia · Jun 12
Becerra, Hilton, To Square Off In California Governor's Race Democrat Xavier Becerra was the top vote getter in this month's gubernatorial primary after days of recount. International Business Times · Jun 10
How Xavier Becerra turned around his campaign to be California’s governor In late March, his polling hovered near 3%, but in a stunning reversal Becerra has advanced to the general election The Guardian - US · Jun 6
Californians vote in fiercely contested gubernatorial and congressional primaries Californians have their final chance to vote Tuesday in a fiercely contested gubernatorial primary ahead of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s mandate coming to an end at the end of the year. The state's open-primary system, which allows the two best-performing candidates to advance regardless of party, has raised fears among… France 24 · Jun 2
Here are the top candidates for California governor in Tuesday's primary California voters face a crowded ballot with 61 names during Tuesday's primary to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom AAP · May 31
California’s messy governor showdown leaves Democratic voters totally split Unlike previous high-profile contests that saw figures like Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger or Democrat Jerry Brown dominate, this election has left many voters feeling uninspired The Independent UK · May 28
Is boring back? The California governor’s race and the fight for the future of the Democratic party A massive field, no clear frontrunners and one big scandal have turned the high-stakes battle into a head-scratcher The Guardian - US · May 23
Where California’s Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Climate and Taking Big Oil Money While frontrunners Steyer and Becerra slug it out, they’re clashing over their commitment to clean energy. Capital & Main · May 22
A billionaire, a taco, reality TV: the top 4 attack lines in California’s elections With the primary election less than three weeks away, the gubernatorial and mayoral races have taken a fiery turn The Guardian - US · May 15
Steve Hilton: could this British former Fox News host be California’s next governor? The race to succeed Gavin Newsom has teetered wildly, and with Democrats in disarray, the Republican ex-Downing Street adviser is leading in the polls. Can he really pull it off? The Guardian - US · May 2
California Governor Race Debate 2026: Xavier Becerra Takes Centre Stage As Rivals Clash Xavier Becerra took heavy fire from all sides as eight candidates for California governor traded attacks in a chaotic, high‑stakes debate at Pomona College. International Business Times UK · Apr 29
International Business Times UK · Apr 23 Democrats Splinter in California Governor's Race: Trump-Endorsed Steve Hilton Eyes Stunning Upset In a California gubernatorial debate, six candidates pitched to voters after former Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race over sexual misconduct allegations.
The Guardian - US · Apr 23 Leading California governor candidates spar in debate as topsy-turvy race heats up Six candidates clashed over homelessness and cost of living crisis in first debate since Eric Swalwell’s exit – with a clear frontrunner still to emerge
The Independent UK · Apr 22 Six California governor candidates to attend first major debate following Swalwell’s exit Six leading candidates vying for California’s governorship are set to clash in a televised debate Wednesday, each hoping for a pivotal moment in a chaotic and leaderless race.
Latin Times · Apr 21 Democrat Betty Yee exits the race for governor of California Former California controller Betty Yee has exited the race for governor, dealing another blow to an already fractured Democratic field and intensifying concerns that the party could split its vote in the state's unusual "top-two" primary system.
Capital & Main · Apr 17 What Could a Republican Governor Get Done in Deep-Blue California? Experts say he would likely face a recall, but could still wield power through appointments, vetoes and regulatory boards.
The Guardian - US · Apr 14 Swalwell’s shock exit throws California governor’s race into disarray: ‘This really tosses the table over’ The contest to replace Gavin Newsom was already bizarre – now after the downfall of its apparent frontrunner, the state’s Democrats are scrambling
The Independent UK · Apr 12 California’s GOP will not endorse Trump favorite Steve Hilton for governor Trump has backed former Fox News host Steve Hilton who won his endorsement a week ago
The Guardian - US · Apr 7 ‘A blatant political ploy’: California sheriff’s seizure of referendum ballots sets off alarm bells Chad Bianco of Riverside county obtained warrants to seize ballots cast for state’s successful redistricting referendum
The Guardian - US · Apr 6 Trump endorses ex-Fox News host Steve Hilton in California governor’s race Move to back the Republican candidate could dash party’s hopes of locking Democrats out of the November runoff
Euronews · Apr 1 In California primary, an electoral disaster is looming for Democrats Two months before a crucial primary in one of the most liberal states in the US, Democrats are facing a self-made political catastrophe. Too many candidates for governor are fragmenting the party's electorate and could make a Republican the successor of Gavin Newsom.
The Guardian - US · Mar 31 Republican sheriff halts inquiry into alleged fraud in California Prop 50 vote Chad Bianco, the Riverside county sheriff also running for governor, had seized 650,000 ballots