California is entering a major political transition as Governor Gavin Newsom’s term ends and voters consider who will lead the state next. In the 2026 California gubernatorial primary, candidates focused heavily on the state’s affordability and housing crises, as well as public safety, disaster recovery, and the future direction of the state. The race has centered on Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra, with each presenting sharply different visions for California’s future.
Becerra has made opposition to Donald Trump a central part of his campaign. He says he would confront Trump’s policies if elected governor and argues that Californians are already familiar with large-scale crises. In campaign messaging, Becerra describes Trump as a destructive force affecting Californians every day. He also highlights his record as California attorney general, noting that he sued the Trump administration more than 120 times and secured major victories involving Obamacare, workers’ rights, and protections for Dreamers. His campaign presents him as a defender of California against federal attacks and a candidate focused on preserving social and economic protections.
Hilton has taken a very different approach, using a message built around criticism of Democratic leadership in California. He has argued that the state has become known for “crime, chaos and squalor” and has blamed decades of one-party Democratic rule for worsening conditions. He has also linked state leadership to the devastation from the 2025 Los Angeles County fires, arguing that political mismanagement contributed to the crisis. His slogan, “make California Golden again,” echoes Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” branding and signals a campaign focused on restoring order, safety, and confidence in state government.
Because this was a primary election, no single candidate has been declared the final winner for governor. Under California’s election rules, the top two vote-getters from the primary move on to the general election in November 2026. That means the primary only narrowed the field and did not determine the state’s next governor. The final decision will come later in the year, after the general election campaign.
At this stage, Becerra has advanced to the general election, but his opponent is not yet fully settled. His potential challengers include Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist. The contest remains close, and the final matchup is still uncertain. With the general election ahead, the outcome will likely depend on which candidate can best persuade Californians that they offer real solutions to the state’s most urgent problems.
The race reflects broader political divisions in California, with voters weighing issues such as affordability, housing, public safety, climate resilience, and the state’s relationship with the Trump era. As the election moves toward November 2026, the governor’s race is expected to remain one of the most closely watched contests in the state.
