The latest California election results are shaping up to be one of the most dramatic political stories of 2026. As votes continue to be counted across the state, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra have emerged as the leading candidates in the race to become the next governor of California, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown later this year.
For voters searching for California election results 2026, CA election results, or wondering who won the California governor race, the answer isn’t completely finalized yet. However, early returns show Hilton and Becerra holding strong positions while billionaire businessman Tom Steyer trails behind in third place.
California Governor Race Results: Who Is Leading?
The California governor election has attracted national attention due to its competitive field and the departure of outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
According to early California primary results, Steve Hilton received approximately 27.8% of the vote, while Xavier Becerra followed closely with around 25.4%. Tom Steyer secured roughly 19.6%, making it increasingly difficult for him to advance to the general election.
Because California uses a “top-two” primary system, the two candidates with the highest vote totals advance to the November election regardless of party affiliation. That means voters are likely headed toward a Hilton vs. Becerra matchup in the general election.
For those asking who is winning the California governor race or who won governor of California, the race remains technically unfinished as ballots continue to be counted. Still, Hilton and Becerra currently hold the strongest positions.
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Who Is Steve Hilton?
One of the biggest stories in the California elections is the rise of Steve Hilton.
Many voters have been searching who is Steve Hilton and where is Steve Hilton from as his campaign gained momentum throughout the primary season.
Hilton is a British-born political commentator and former television host who became well known through conservative media. Despite never holding elected office before, he successfully built a campaign centered on issues such as affordability, crime, housing costs, and government reform. He also received a high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump shortly before Election Day.
His strong performance surprised many political observers who initially viewed the California governor race as leaning heavily toward Democratic candidates.
Xavier Becerra’s Strong Democratic Showing
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra entered the race with extensive political experience and broad support from labor unions and Democratic voters.
Throughout the campaign, Becerra consistently appeared near the top of California governor polls. Several surveys conducted before Election Day showed him leading the field, often ahead of both Hilton and Steyer.
If elected, Becerra would become California’s first Latino governor. His campaign focused on healthcare, workers’ rights, climate policy, and protecting California’s progressive agenda.
The latest California voting results suggest that his strategy resonated with many Democratic voters, helping him secure a place among the top contenders.
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What Happened to Tom Steyer?
Many analysts expected the battle for second place to come down to Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer.
Steyer invested a staggering amount of personal wealth into the campaign, reportedly spending more than $216 million of his own money in an attempt to become governor. Despite that investment, he appears to be falling short of advancing to the general election.
Throughout the final weeks of the campaign, several polls showed Steyer, Hilton, and Becerra separated by only a few percentage points. However, once election results California officials began reporting, Hilton and Becerra established a clearer lead.
The outcome demonstrates that campaign spending alone does not always translate into electoral success.
California Primary 2026: Why This Election Matters
The California primary 2026 election is particularly significant because California remains the largest state in the country and often influences national political conversations.
With Gavin Newsom leaving office, voters were presented with one of the most open and unpredictable California governor races in decades. More than 60 candidates appeared on the ballot, creating an unusually crowded field.
Political observers worried for months that Democrats could split their vote among multiple candidates, potentially allowing two Republicans to advance under California’s top-two primary system. Ultimately, Becerra’s late surge appears to have prevented that scenario.
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California Polls vs. Election Results
One of the most interesting aspects of the race was how California polls evolved over time.
Earlier surveys showed various combinations of Becerra, Hilton, Steyer, and even other candidates competing for the top spots. Some polls suggested Steyer could advance, while others showed Hilton gaining momentum among Republican voters.
As Election Day approached, most polling organizations agreed that Becerra and Hilton were among the strongest candidates. The current California governor results generally reflect those late polling trends.
This serves as a reminder that while polls provide valuable insight, actual election results remain the only measure that truly matters.
What Time Do Polls Close in California?
Many first-time voters searched questions such as what time do polls close in California, when do polls close in California, and when do the polls close in CA.
On Election Day, polling places across California closed at 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time. However, because California accepts many mail-in ballots and processes votes over several days, final California election results are rarely available immediately after polls close.
That is why some races remain too close to call even after Election Night.
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What’s Next?
While the final vote count continues, the path forward appears increasingly clear. Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are positioned to become the two candidates advancing from the California primary election to the November general election.
The coming months will determine whether California voters choose a Republican outsider in Hilton or an experienced Democratic leader in Becerra to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor of California.
For now, the latest California election results show a state preparing for one of its most closely watched governor elections in years, with both candidates expected to launch aggressive campaigns as the race enters its next phase.
