Meet the Five Candidates Leading the Race for California Governor

• Becerra Leads the California Governor Race
• Hilton Is Close Behind
• Five Candidates Stand Out Now

The race to choose California’s next governor is beginning to take shape after the first results of the 2026 primary elections.

With more than 35% of the votes counted, five names stand out among the candidates seeking to succeed Gavin Newsom, who will leave office at the end of his term because of limits established by state law.

• Why it matters: California is not only the most populous state in the United States, but also a global economic powerhouse.

The next governor will have influence over key issues such as immigration, housing, public safety, the environment, and technological development.

Preliminary results show Democrat Xavier Becerra in first place with 26.4% of the vote, followed by Republican Steve Hilton with 25.6%.

Further behind are Democrat Tom Steyer with 19.8%, Republican Chad Bianco with 11.4%, and Democrat Katie Porter with 5.1%.

Xavier Becerra Seeks to Return to Sacramento After Holding High-Level Posts in Washington

Xavier Becerra is one of the most experienced politicians in the race. He was born in Sacramento and is the son of Mexican immigrants, a personal story he often highlights during his campaigns.

His career includes more than two decades as a California representative in the U.S. Congress, as well as serving as the state’s attorney general from 2017 to 2021.

More recently, he served as secretary of Health and Human Services during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

Becerra has built his candidacy around his experience in state and federal government, presenting himself as a leader with knowledge of institutions and the challenges California faces.

Steve Hilton Went From British Adviser to One of the Best-Known Conservative Voices

Steve Hilton represents one of the most visible Republican bets in the election.

Born in the United Kingdom, he worked as director of strategy for then-Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to the United States.

Over time, he became a political commentator and host of Fox News’ The Next Revolution.

Hilton is also known for his political closeness to President Donald Trump and for promoting a philosophy he calls “positive populism.”

His campaign seeks to attract both traditional conservative voters and independents dissatisfied with the state’s political direction.

Tom Steyer Tries to Turn His Climate Activism Into an Electoral Victory

Tom Steyer enters the race with an unusual combination of business experience, political activism, and financial resources.

He founded the investment fund Farallon Capital and built a fortune that Forbes estimated at $2.4 billion in 2026.

After leaving the financial world, he focused on promoting initiatives related to fighting climate change.

He also became one of the Democratic Party’s top donors and actively participated in national political campaigns.

In 2020, he tried to win the Democratic presidential nomination, although he dropped out before Super Tuesday.

Now he seeks to convince California voters that his business experience can help address the state’s economic and environmental challenges.

Chad Bianco Makes Public Safety the Central Focus of His Campaign

Chad Bianco is currently the sheriff of Riverside County and one of the candidates most closely identified with public safety.

He was first elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

During his tenure, he has gained recognition among conservative sectors, although he has also faced criticism and controversies related to the management of county jails.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he opposed several health measures promoted by the state, a position that strengthened his image among conservative voters.

His campaign focuses mainly on public order, law enforcement, and fighting crime.

Katie Porter Seeks to Turn Her National Popularity Into Statewide Support

Katie Porter is likely one of the most recognized figures among progressive Democratic voters.

A trained lawyer and graduate of Yale and Harvard, she arrived in Congress in 2019 after a historic victory in Orange County.

During her time in Washington, she gained notoriety for her intense questioning during legislative hearings.

Her use of whiteboards and visual aids to explain financial and economic issues made her a viral figure on social media and in national media.

After losing the 2024 Senate race, Porter is seeking to relaunch her political career with a gubernatorial candidacy focused on transparency, consumer protection, and accountability.

The Battle Among California Governor Candidates to Succeed Gavin Newsom Is Just Beginning

Although preliminary results show an advantage for Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton, millions of votes remain to be counted.

Under California’s electoral system, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election regardless of political party.

For now, these five hopefuls remain the most relevant figures in a contest that will define who governs one of the most influential states in the United States in the coming years.

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SOURCE: NBC News / Telemundo