Becerra and Hilton Enter California Governor Race for 2026 Showdown
Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will compete in the California governor’s race, setting up a high-profile 2026 contest.
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California Governors Race
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Becerra widens lead in final CA primary poll as Steyer and Hilton stay within reach
Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Xavier Becerra leads Emerson College Polling’s final California primary survey with 28% support, ahead of Tom Steyer at 22% and Steve Hilton at 21%; Republican Chad Bianco has 12%, while Democrats Katie Porter and Matt Mahan each have 5%. Becerra leads among Democrats (44%), Hispanics (36%), and women (36%), while Hilton dominates Republicans (59%). Steyer performs best among voters under 30 and white voters. The top-two vote-getters advance to November; the poll surveyed 1,000 likely voters May 27–28.
Becerra widens lead in CA governor primary as ballot battles loom
A new PPIC poll shows Xavier Becerra leading the California Democratic primary with 23% to Steve Hilton’s 20% and Tom Steyer’s 15%, signaling a likely nomination and a possible November matchup against Hilton. The survey also highlights two ballot fights: a proposed one-time wealth tax leading 54–45 but facing a well-funded opposition, and a Republican-backed voter ID measure that only 49% support, with Democrats and independents largely opposed. Neither measure is yet qualified for November, while 59% of Californians favor the state’s top-two primary, a factor that could influence the race’s dynamics even before the primary.
Becerra's unlikely rise rattles Biden alums in California governor race
Xavier Becerra's rapid ascent in California's gubernatorial race has stunned former Biden aides, who question his preparedness but acknowledge his political deftness. As polls push him to the front in a lackluster field, the development underscores voters' pragmatism and the unlikely prospect of a Cabinet member becoming California's governor.
Swalwell’s fall from front-runner to forced exit over misconduct allegations
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s bid for California’s governorship collapsed within days as sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, prompting swift backlash from House Democrats led by Nancy Pelosi, who urged him to resign from Congress. In a rare, bipartisan response, lawmakers sought parity by pressing to hold Gonzales to similar accountability. The episode ended Swalwell’s 13-year congressional career and his gubernatorial campaign, highlighting a renewed emphasis on accountability in Congress.
Swalwell casts FBI file release as political weapon in California bid
Rep. Eric Swalwell blasted reports that the Trump administration and FBI officials want to release a years-old file tied to his ties with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese operative, calling it a political smear as he runs for California governor. Swalwell notes he wasn’t charged, the House Ethics probe into his links with Fang was closed in 2023, and warns the move could show the weaponization of investigations and reflect FBI priorities amid a charged political environment.