2026 California gubernatorial election

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An election will be held in the U.S. state of California on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of California. The statewide top-two primary election was held on June 2, 2026, with Democrat Xavier Becerra advancing to the general election alongside Republican Steve Hilton. Incumbent Democratic governor Gavin Newsom is ineligible to seek re-election to a third term.

Quick facts Candidate, Party ...
2026 California gubernatorial election
← 2022
November 3, 2026 (2026-11-03)
2030 →
 
Candidate Xavier Becerra Steve Hilton
Party Democratic Republican
Incumbent Governor

Gavin Newsom
Democratic


Close

There were 61 candidates on the primary ballot.[1] Republicans have not won a statewide race in California since 2006.

Candidates

Democratic Party

Advanced to general

Eliminated in primary

Withdrawn

Declined

Republican Party

Advanced to general

Eliminated in primary

Disqualified

  • Brandon Jones, marketing agency founder[50][1]
  • Jimmy Parker, former judge[51][1]
  • Ebony Taylor, business owner[52][1]

Withdrawn

Declined

Green Party

Eliminated in primary

Libertarian Party

Withdrawn

  • Tom Woodard, retired CEO[52][63] (endorsed Hilton, remained on ballot)[64]

Not on primary ballot

  • Nicholas Thompson, college student[31][1]

Declined

Peace and Freedom Party

Eliminated in primary

No party preference

Eliminated in primary

  • Naomi Bar-Lev, musician and writer[1]
  • Joseph Cabrera, administrator[1]
  • Elaine Culotti, entrepreneur[67]
  • Michael J. Dilger (write-in)[7]
  • LivingForGod AndCountry DeMott, chaplain[8]
  • Serge Fiankan, real estate broker[1]
  • Lukasz Adam Filinski[1]
  • Max Fomin, business owner[1]
  • Sean Forbes (write-in)[7]
  • Don Grundmann, chiropractor[1]
  • Jon Henderson, business owner[1]
  • Lewis Herms[1][68]
  • Dawit Kellel[1]
  • Anne Komarovsk, communications executive[1]
  • Dirk Langer (write-in)[7]
  • Duane Terrence Loynes Jr., nominee of the American Solidarity Party[1][69]
  • Amanda Martin, entrepreneur[1]
  • Brent Maupin, civil engineer[1]
  • Daniel Mercuri, author, Republican candidate for governor in 2021 and 2022, and candidate for California's 25th congressional district in 2020[70]
  • Mauro Alberto Orozco, business owner[1]
  • Reza Safarnejad, business owner[1]
  • Sam Sandak, filmmaker[1]
  • Christine Sarmiento, public health nurse[1]
  • Frederic Schultz, human rights attorney[1]
  • Margaret Trowe, hospitality worker[1]
  • Nancy Young, businesswoman[1]

Not on primary ballot

  • Leonard Jackson, shipping company CEO[71][1]
  • Ryan Tillman, police officer[72][1]
  • David Thelen, blogger[72][1]

Declined

Primary election

Campaign

Sixty-one candidates qualified for the primary ballot. California uses a top-two primary system in which all candidates, regardless of party, appear on the same ballot, with the top two advancing to the general election.[74]

Among Republicans, Riverside County sheriff Chad Bianco and political commentator Steve Hilton emerged as the leading candidates, while the Democratic field remained fragmented. This raised concerns that two Republicans could advance to the general election.[75][76] Those concerns eased after President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton, increasing the chance of a Democrat making it into the runoff because some Bianco supporters would likely shift their support to Hilton due to Trump's endorsement.[77]

Before Swalwell's exit from the race, polls showed that the three Democrats with the greatest amount of public support were representative Eric Swalwell, hedge fund manager and 2020 presidential candidate Tom Steyer, and former representative Katie Porter.[76] Other notable Democrats running included former mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, former HHS Secretary and state attorney general Xavier Becerra, mayor of San Jose Matt Mahan, and superintendent of public instruction Tony Thurmond.[74] Former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla opted against running for governor, despite speculation by the media to the contrary.[76]

Eric Swalwell sexual assault allegations

Main article: Eric Swalwell § Sexual assault allegations

On April 10, 2026, the San Francisco Chronicle reported allegations from a former staffer who provided credible claims that Swalwell had sexually assaulted her on two occasions.[78] That same day, CNN published additional claims from four women, including one allegation of rape and others describing inappropriate conduct and unsolicited nude photos. CNN reported that it had corroborated the accounts. Swalwell denied all of the allegations and sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the women threatening legal action.[79]

Following the allegations, several staff members resigned from Eric Swalwell's campaign, including co-chairs Jimmy Gomez and Adam Gray.[80][81] The California Teachers Association revoked its endorsement,[80] while U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego also withdrew their support.[81] House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called on Swalwell to end his campaign.[82] By April 11, all of Swalwell's 21 fellow members of Congress previously endorsing him had withdrawn their support.[83] The following day, he announced that he was suspending his campaign for governor.[84] On April 13, Swalwell announced he had plans to resign from Congress,[85] and formally left on April 14.[86]

Endorsements

Xavier Becerra (D)

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Individuals

Labor unions

Organizations

Newspapers
Chad Bianco (R)

Executive branch officials

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Individuals

Organizations

Political parties

Steve Hilton (R)

Executive branch officials

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Individuals

Organizations

Alicia Olivia Lapp (R)

Organizations

Matt Mahan (D)

U.S. representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

County officials

Individuals

Organizations

Katie Porter (D)
Executive branch officials

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Labor unions

Organizations

Newspapers and media

Ramsey Robinson (PFP)

Political parties

Tom Steyer (D)

Executive branch officials

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

Local officials

Individuals

Labor unions

Organizations

Newspapers

Tony Thurmond (D)

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Labor unions

Organizations

Antonio Villaraigosa (D)

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

Local officials

Labor unions

Newspapers

Butch Ware (G) (write-in candidate)

State legislators

Individuals

Political parties

Newspapers

Ché Ahn (R) (write-in candidate)

Individuals

Organizations

Toni Atkins (D) (withdrawn)

U.S. representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

Local officials

Labor unions

Organizations

Eleni Kounalakis (D) (withdrawn)

Executive branch officials

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Zoltan Istvan (D) (withdrawn)

Political parties

Eric Swalwell (D) (withdrawn, appeared on the ballot)

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Individuals

Labor unions

Organizations

Betty Yee (D) (withdrawn, appeared on the ballot)

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Individuals

Organizations

Declined to endorse

Executive branch officials

Statewide officials

Organizations

Political parties

Fundraising

More information Campaign finance reports as of May 31, 2026, Candidate ...
Campaign finance reports as of May 31, 2026[309]
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on Hand
Xavier Becerra (D) $6,051,826 $9,290,232 $793,630
Chad Bianco (R) $2,295,579 $3,328,860 $952,192
Steve Hilton (R) $7,332,985 $8,483,462 $1,724,547
Matt Mahan (D) $15,007,412 $10,367,538 $5,021,023
Katie Porter (D) $4,206,459 $6,959,945 $764,830
Tom Steyer (D) $164,592,445 $166,766,233 $1,286,407
Close

Debates

More information No., Date ...
2026 California gubernatorial primary debate
No. Date Host Moderator Link Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic Republican Republican
Key:  P  Participant   I  Invited  W  Withdrawn
 A  Absent   N  Not invited 
Becerra Mahan Steyer Thurmond Villaraigosa Yee Swalwell Porter Atkins Kounalakis Hilton Bianco
1 Sep. 29,
2024		 NUHW
Los Angeles Times
AP, Politico		 Laurel Rosenhall
Lisa Matthews
Melanie Mason		 YouTube A A A P A P A A P P A A
2 Feb. 3,
2026		 Black Action Alliance
KTVU
KTTV		 Greg Lee
Andre Senior
Marla Tellez		 YouTube P P P P P P A[h] A W W P A
3 Feb. 26,
2026[310]		 Jewish California Alex Cohen YouTube A P P N P N P A W W P A
4 Apr. 22,
2026[311]		 Nexstar Media Group
NewsNation
The Hill		 Nikki Laurenzo
Frank Buckley		 YouTube P P P N N W W P W W P P
5 Apr. 28,
2026[312]		 Asian Pacific American Public Affairs
CBS California
Pomona College		 Pat Harvey
Ryan Yamamoto
Tony Lopez
Julie Watts
Sara Sadhwani		 YouTube P[313] P[313] P[313] P[313] P[313] W W P[313] W W P[313] P[313]
6 May 5,
2026[314]		 CNN Elex Michaelson
Kaitlan Collins		 – P P P N[315] P W W P W W P P
7 May 6,
2026[316]		 KNBC
KVEA		 Colleen Williams
Conan Nolan
Enrique Chiabra		 YouTube P P P N P W W P W W P P
8 May 14,
2026[317]		 CBS News
San Francisco Examiner		 Schuyler Hudak Prionas
Tom Wait
Ryan Yamamoto		 YouTube P P P N P W W P W W P P
Close

Canceled debate

A debate scheduled for March 24, 2026, hosted by the USC Center for the Political Future, KABC-TV, and KMEX-DT,[318] was ultimately canceled hours before it was set to begin.[319] Using a formula developed by USC political science professor Christian R. Grose that combined fundraising and polling data, only six candidates were invited: Republicans Bianco and Hilton, and Democrats Mahan, Porter, Steyer, and Swalwell.[320] The selection drew criticism from chairs of the black and Latino caucuses, particularly because no nonwhite candidates qualified and because Mahan's strong fundraising offset weaker polling. USC and over 50 scholars defended the formula, but the debate was canceled after organizers could not agree to expand the field.[319]

Polling

More information Source of poll aggregation, Dates administered ...
Source of poll
aggregation		 Dates
administered		 Dates
updated		 Xavier
Becerra (D)		 Chad
Bianco (R)		 Steve
Hilton (R)		 Matt
Mahan (D)		 Katie
Porter (D)		 Tom
Steyer (D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa (D)		 Other/
Undecided[i]		 Margin
270toWin[321] May 14–31, 2026 June 2, 2026 24.0% 11.0% 22.3% 5.1% 7.3% 19.9% 2.7% 7.7%[j] Becerra +1.7%
Decision Desk HQ[322] through May 28, 2026 June 1, 2026 24.4% 10.8% 23.4% 5.6% 7.1% 18.4% 2.0% 8.3% Becerra +1.0%
Race to the WH[323] through May 31, 2026 June 2, 2026 22.8% 10.9% 22.3% 5.2% 6.9% 20.2% 2.8% 8.9%[k] Becerra +0.5%
RealClearPolitics[324] May 19–31, 2026 June 1, 2026 23.6% 10.9% 22.9% 5.0% 6.8% 20.9% 2.2% 7.7% Becerra +0.7%
FiftyPlusOne[325] through May 28, 2026 June 1, 2026 21.6% 11.6% 22.2% 6.1% 8.1% 19.4% — 11.0%[l] Hilton +0.6%
Average 23.3% 11.0% 22.6% 5.4% 7.2% 19.8% 2.4% 8.3% Becerra +0.7%
Close
More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra
(D)		 Chad
Bianco
(R)		 Steve
Hilton
(R)		 Matt
Mahan
(D)		 Katie
Porter
(D)		 Tom
Steyer
(D)		 Eric
Swalwell
(D)		 Tony
Thurmond
(D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa
(D)		 Betty
Yee
(D)		 Other Undecided
SurveyUSA[326][A] May 28–31, 2026 1,124 (LV) ± 3.8% 17% 11% 20% 6% 7% 20% — 2% 4% — 1% 12%
Emerson College[327][B] May 27–28, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 28%[n] 12% 23% 5% 5% 23% — 1% 3% — 1%[o] —
28% 12% 21% 5% 5% 22% — 1% 2% — 1%[o] 5%
Public Policy Polling (D)[328][C] May 27–28, 2026 686 (LV) ± 3.7% 18% 14% 20% 7% 7% 21% — — 2% — 1%[o] 10%
McLaughlin & Associates (R)[329][D] May 26–28, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 19% 10% 25% 6% 7% 25% — — — — —
David Binder Research (D)[330][E] May 26–27, 2026 — ± 4.1% 26% 9% 27% 4% 8% 22% — — — — — —
Kreate Strategies[331] May 23–27, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 27% 9% 26% 4% 5% 20% — — — 1% 2%[p] 7%
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 29% 11% 23% 4% 8% 18% — — 3% — 3% 1%
Berkeley IGS[333][G] May 19–24, 2026 5,472 (LV) ± 2.0% 25% 11% 21% 4% 7% 19% — 1% 1% — 4% 7%
Global Strategy Group (D)[334][C] May 18–21, 2026 800 (LV) — 19% 12% 22% 8% 8% 19% — 1% 2% — — 7%
Echelon Insights (R)[325][335][H] May 18–21, 2026 800 (LV) — 15% 12% 25% 7% 7% 18% — — 1% — —
PPIC[336] May 14–18, 2026 986 (LV) ± 4.1% 23% 13% 20% 7% 12% 15% — 1% 5% — 1%[o] 2%
Evitarus (D)[337][I] May 14–16, 2026 1,200 (LV) ± 2.8% 21% 10% 22% 4% 7% 15% <1% 1% 1% <1% 4%[q] 13%
David Binder Research (D)[338][E] May 5–11, 2026 — ± 3.5% 22% 13% 23% 7% 12% 15% — <1% 2% — — 6%
Emerson College[339][B] May 9–10, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 20%[n] 12% 18% 9% 13% 19% — 1% 5% — 2%[p] —
19% 11% 17% 8% 10% 17% — 1% 4% — 1%[o] 12%
Kreate Strategies[340] May 5–9, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 20% 13% 22% 9% 9% 14% — — 1% — 2% 10%
Mellman Group (D)[341][J] May 3–6, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 20% 14% 20% 10% <10%[r] 12% — <10%[r] <10%[r] — — 8%
Impact Research (D)[342][K] April 28 – May 3, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 23% 11% 23% 10% 9% 14% — 1% 1% — 2% 6%
Evitarus (D)[343][I] April 30 – May 2, 2026 1,200 (LV) ± 2.8% 18% 14% 18% 7% 8% 12% 1% 1% 2% 1% 3%[s] 14%
SurveyUSA[344][A] April 28 – May 1, 2026 991 (LV) ± 4.2% 10% 12% 20% 7% 8% 18% — 2% 5% — 0% 17%
Gudelunas Strategies[345][L] April 23–27, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 24% 13% 23% 6% 10% 15% <1% 1% 2% <1% 1%[o] 5%
CBS News/YouGov[346] April 23–27, 2026 1,479 (LV) ± 4.1% 13% 10% 16% 4% 9% 15% — 1% 4% — 2%[p] 26%
EMC Research (D)[347][M] April 21–26, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.1% 21% 14% 20% 8% 8% 17% — 2% 3% — 5%[t] 1%
April 20, 2026 Yee withdraws from the race, endorses Steyer
Independent Voter Project[348] April 14–20, 2026 3,404 (LV) ± 2.2% 23% 17% 20% 4% 11% 14% — 1% 1% 1% 8%
Gudelunas Strategies[349][L] April 14–18, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 15% 14% 20% 6% 13% 15% <1% 2% 3% 2% 1%[o] 10%
Kreate Strategies[350] April 12–18, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.2% 10% 14% 18% 4% 10% 16% — — 1% 2% — 23%
Evitarus (D)[351][I] April 15–17, 2026 1,200 (LV) ± 2.8% 13% 14% 16% 5% 10% 13% 1% 1% 2% 1% 4%[u] 20%
Emerson College[352][B] April 14–15, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 10% 14% 17% 5% 10% 14% — 1% 3% 1% 1%[o] 23%
April 12, 2026 Swalwell withdraws from the race
Impact Research (D)[353][K] April 8–12, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 7% 10% 25% 8% 14% 16% — — — — 5% 9%
SurveyUSA[354] April 8–10, 2026 788 (LV) ± 5.2% 4% 8% 18% 4% 8% 21% 9% 1% 5% 4% 0% 18%
David Binder Research (D)[355][E] April 1–6, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 4% 13% 22% 5% 11% 12% 18% 2% 2% 2% — 10%
Evitarus (D)[356][I] March 31 – April 5, 2026 1,200 (LV) ± 2.8% 4% 14% 14% 4% 7% 11% 12% <1% 4% 1% 4%[u] 24%
PPIC[357] March 26 – April 3, 2026 1,008 (LV) ± 3.9% 5% 14% 17% 5% 10% 14% 18% 2% 5% 3% 1%[o] 5%
Kreate Strategies[358] March 23–29, 2026 700 (LV) ± 3.7% 2% 10% 19% 4% 8% 13% 13% — 2% 3% 6%[v] 20%
Echelon Insights (R)[359][H] March 12–17, 2026 600 (LV) ± 4.1% 3% 14% 20% 4% 10% 13% 15% 1% 3% 2% 16%
Evitarus (D)[360][I] March 12–17, 2026 2,000 (LV) ± 2.2% 3% 14% 16% 3% 10% 10% 10% 1% 3% 2% 5%[w] 24%
Berkeley IGS[361][G] March 9–14, 2026 3,889 (LV) ± 2.5% 5% 16% 17% 4% 13% 10% 13% 1% 4% 1% 16%
Emerson College[362] March 7–9, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 3% 11% 13% 3% 8% 11% 17% 1% 3% 2% 1%[o] 25%
Politico/UC Berkeley/
TrueDot[363]		 February 25 – March 3, 2026 1,004 (LV) ± 3.3% 5% 11% 19% 3% 11% 13% 11% 1% 4% 2% 3%[x] 17%
Global Strategy Group (D)[364][C] February 27 – March 2, 2026 1,340 (LV) ± 3.5% 5% 15% 20% 3% 13% 16% 11% — 2% — — 15%
Independent Voter Project[365] February 13–20, 2026 868 (LV) ± 3.6% 3% 23% 15% 2% 12% 8% 18% 1% 3% 2% 0%[y] 13%
Emerson College[366] February 13–14, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 4% 14% 17% 3% 10% 9% 14% 2% 3% 2% 2%[z] 21%
PPIC[367] February 3–11, 2026 1,049 (LV) ± 3.9% 5% 12% 14% 3% 13% 10% 11% 2% 5% 5% 11%[aa] 10%
Tavern Research (D)[368][M] February 2–5, 2026 1,097 (LV) ± 3.3% 6% 20% 12% 2% 9% 9% 10% —[ab] 3% —[ab] 4%[ab] 25%
EMC Research (D)[369][N] January 29 – February 4, 2026 1,400 (V) — 6% 21% 17% 5% 12% 9% 18% 1% 3% 2% 2%[ac] 4%
Global Strategy Group (D)[364][C] January 29 – February 3, 2026 — (LV) — 4% 18% 18% 3% 12% 10% 11% — 3% — — 21%
J Wallin Opinion Research[370][371][O] January 29 – February 1, 2026 1,000 (RV) — 6% 11% 14% 4% 8% 12% 9% 3% 7% 4% 7%[ad] 15%
RBI Strategies & Research (D)[372][P] January 25–29, 2026 — (LV) — 4% 15% 16% 3% 13% 8% 14% 2% 3% — — 23%
Tulchin Research (D)[373][Q] January 22–28, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.1% 5% 15% 15% — 13% 10% 14% 1% 7% 2% 2%[ae] 16%
Public Policy Polling (D)[374][R] January 20–21, 2026 1,001 (V) — 6% 18% 17% 5% 14% 8% 12% 1% 2% — — 17%
David Binder Research (D)[375][S] January 17–20, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 5% 17% 14% — 11% 8% 11% 2% 3% 1% 3%[af] 25%
CivicLens Research[376] December 14–16, 2025 400 (LV) ± 4.5% 1% 14% 18% — 9% 7% 12% 3% 2% 2% 3%[ag] 31%
FM3 Research (D)[377][378] November 30 – December 7, 2025 632 (LV) ± 4.0% 3% 17% 18% — 13% 6% 17% 1% 3% 1% — 20%
Emerson College[379] December 1–2, 2025 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 4% 13% 12% — 11% 4% 12% 2% 5% 2% 5%[ah] 31%
Lake Research Partners (D)[380][T] November 17–20, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% 6% 10% 17% — 15% 4% 10% 3% 7% 3% 1%[ai] 22%
PPIC[381] November 13–19, 2025 1,086 (LV) ± 3.9% 14% 10% 14% — 21% — — 2% 8% 7% 19%[aj] 5%
Tavern Research (D)[382][M] October 27–30, 2025 1,001 (LV) ± 4.0% 9% 16% 12% — 15% — — 2% 5% 3% 9%[ak] 29%
EMC Research (D)[383][U] October 22–26, 2025 1,000 (LV) ± 3.1% 9% 14% 20% — 16% 3% 11% 3% 5% 3% 16%[al]
Emerson College[384] October 20–21, 2025 900 (LV) ± 3.19% 5% 11% 16% — 15% — — 3% 5% 2% 4%[am] 39%
Bold Decision[385] October 16–21, 2025 509 (LV) ± 4.3% 8% 14% 13% — 12% 7% — 1% 7% 4% 4%[an] 29%
Emerson College[386] April 12–14, 2025 899 (LV) ± 3.2% 3% 4% — — 12% — — 2% 5% 3% 17%[ao] 54%
Close
Hypothetical polling

with Rick Caruso

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra
(D)		 Chad
Bianco
(R)		 Rick
Caruso
(D)		 Steve
Hilton
(R)		 Katie
Porter
(D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa
(D)		 Betty
Yee
(D)		 Other Undecided
Berkeley IGS[387][G] October 20–27, 2025 8,141 (RV) ± 2.0% 8% 13% 3% 8% 11% 5% 3% 5% 44%
Emerson College[388] September 15–16, 2025 1,000 (RV) ± 3% 5% 8% 4% 10% 16% 4% 3% 10%[ap] 38%
Berkeley IGS[389][G] August 11–17, 2025 4,950 (RV) ± 1.5% 9% 10% 4% 6% 17% 4% 2% 9%[aq] 38%
True Dot/
Politico[390]		 July 28–August 12, 2025 875 (RV) ± 2.6% 9% 15% 6% 10% 21% 9% 6% 15%[ar] 9%
Emerson College[391] August 4–5, 2025 1,000 (RV) ± 3% 3% 7% 4% 12% 18% 5% 2% 13%[as] 38%
Close

with Alex Padilla

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra
(D)		 Chad
Bianco
(R)		 Rick
Caruso
(D)		 Steve
Hilton
(R)		 Alex
Padilla
(D)		 Katie
Porter
(D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa
(D)		 Betty
Yee
(D)		 Other Undecided
Emerson College[388] September 15–16, 2025 1,000 (RV) ± 3% 3% 8% 4% 10% 7% 16% 4% 2% 9%[at] 36%
Close

with Kamala Harris

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra
(D)		 Chad
Bianco
(R)		 Kamala
Harris
(D)		 Eleni
Kounalakis
(D)		 Kyle
Langford
(R)		 Katie
Porter
(D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa
(D)		 Other Undecided
Emerson College[386] April 12–14, 2025 911 (LV) ± 3.2% 2% 4% 31% 2% 2% 8% 2% 10%[au] 39%
Close

with John Cox, Lanhee Chen and Rob Bonta

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Toni
Atkins
(D)		 Xavier
Becerra
(D)		 Rob
Bonta
(D)		 Lanhee
Chen
(R)		 John
Cox
(R)		 Kamala
Harris
(D)		 Eleni
Kounalakis
(D)		 Katie
Porter
(D)		 Tony
Thurmond
(D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa
(D)		 Betty
Yee
(D)		 Other
Capitol Weekly[392] February 3–7, 2025 692 (RV) data-sort-value="" style="vertical-align:middle; text-align:center" class="table-na" | — 2% 4% 7% 10% 21% 23% 2% 16% 1% 2% 2% 10%[av]
1073[aw] 3% 5% 9% 9% 21% — 5% 26% 2% 3% 3% 12%[ax]
Close

with Brian Dahle

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Toni
Atkins (D)		 Xavier
Becerra (D)		 Chad
Bianco (R)		 Brian
Dahle (R)		 Steve
Hilton (R)		 Eleni
Kounalakis (D)		 Katie
Porter (D)		 Tony
Thurmond (D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa (D)		 Betty
Yee (D)		 Other Undecided
USC/CSU Long Beach/
Cal Poly Pomona[393]		 September 12–25, 2024 1,685 (LV) ± 2.4% 1% 3% 5% 5% 4% 2% 14% 1% 3% 3% 9%[ay] 50%
Tulchin Research (D)[394][Q] August 8–12, 2024 800 (LV) ± 3.5% — — — 13% 10% 10% 4% 4% 13% 7% — 39%
Close

with Steve Garvey

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Toni
Atkins (D)		 Xavier
Becerra (D)		 Chad
Bianco (R)		 Steve
Garvey (R)		 Eleni
Kounalakis (D)		 Katie
Porter (D)		 Tony
Thurmond (D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa (D)		 Betty
Yee (D)		 Other Undecided
Breakthrough Campaigns[395][V] November 22–26, 2024 1,228 (LV) ± 2.8% 1% 2% 6% 18% 8% 21% 3% 3% 3% 23%[az] 12%
3% 6% 14% 21% 9% 24% 2% 3% 6% 1%[ba] 11%
Close

"Democratic Primary Poll"[bb]

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Toni
Atkins
(D)		 Stephen
Cloobeck
(D)		 Kamala
Harris
(D)		 Eleni
Kounalakis
(D)		 Katie
Porter
(D)		 Tony
Thurmond
(D)		 Antonio
Villaraigosa
(D)		 Betty
Yee
(D)		 Other Undecided
Emerson College[396][W] February 10–11, 2025 469 (RV) ± 4.5% 3% 1% 57% 4% 9% 1% 4% 2% 3%[bc] 17%
3% 3% — 5% 21% 3% 9% 3% 9%[bd] 45%
Close

Results

Results by county
  Becerra
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  Hilton
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  Steyer
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  Bianco
  •   40–50%
  • Vote share of Becerra by county
    Vote share of Becerra by county
  • Vote share of Hilton by county
    Vote share of Hilton by county
  • Vote share of Steyer by county
    Vote share of Steyer by county
  • Vote share of Bianco by county
    Vote share of Bianco by county
More information Party, Candidate ...
Primary election results[397]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Xavier Becerra 2,590,102 28.06
Republican Steve Hilton 2,275,555 24.65
Democratic Tom Steyer 2,109,314 22.85
Republican Chad Bianco 940,902 10.19
Democratic Katie Porter 403,713 4.37
Democratic Matt Mahan 327,404 3.55
Democratic Antonio Villaraigosa 104,046 1.13
Democratic Tony Thurmond 63,714 0.69
Peace and Freedom Ramsey Robinson 51,725 0.56
Democratic Betty Yee (withdrawn) 40,856 0.44
Democratic Eric Swalwell (withdrawn) 28,131 0.31
Republican Tim Nelson 23,683 0.26
Republican Randeep S. Dhillon 21,890 0.24
Democratic Barack D. Obama Shaw 16,699 0.18
Democratic Carolina Buhler 14,975 0.16
Republican Leo Samuel Zacky 14,701 0.16
Republican Gretha Solórzano 12,555 0.14
Democratic Matthew Chase Levy 11,035 0.12
Libertarian Tom Woodard (withdrawn) 9,319 0.10
Democratic Erin Zezulak 9,243 0.10
Democratic Louis A. De Barraicua 8,839 0.10
Democratic Mohammad Arif 8,448 0.09
Republican Leo Naranjo IV 8,087 0.09
No party preference Nancy D. Young 7,006 0.08
Republican James Athans Jr. 6,626 0.07
No party preference Joseph Cabrera 6,185 0.07
Republican David Zickefoose 5,877 0.06
Democratic Satish B. Rao 5,660 0.06
No party preference Christine R. Sarmiento 5,636 0.06
No party preference Jon Henderson 5,585 0.06
Republican Alicia Olivia Lapp 5,355 0.06
No party preference Amanda Martin 5,227 0.06
No party preference Frederic C. Schultz 5,223 0.06
Republican Rafael M. Hernandez 5,213 0.06
Democratic Scott P. Shields 5,036 0.05
Democratic Derek Grasty 4,991 0.05
Democratic Larry Azevedo 4,677 0.05
No party preference Elaine Culotti 4,471 0.05
No party preference Mauro Alberto Orozco 4,058 0.04
Republican Patricia De Luca Basualdo 4,047 0.04
Democratic Raji Rab 3,598 0.04
Democratic Sophia Edum-a-Sam 3,549 0.04
No party preference Brent Maupin 3,130 0.03
Democratic Akinyemi Agbede 3,033 0.03
No party preference Lewis Herms 2,993 0.03
No party preference Naomi Bar-Lev 2,743 0.03
No party preference Daniel Mercuri 2,665 0.03
Democratic Gary Howard Kidgell 2,414 0.03
Democratic Joel E. Jacob 2,344 0.03
Democratic Thunder Parley 2,316 0.03
No party preference Margaret Trowe 2,284 0.02
No party preference LivingForGod AndCountry DeMott 2,198 0.02
No party preference Reza Safarnejad 1,987 0.02
No party preference Duane Terrence Loynes Jr. 1,904 0.02
No party preference Don J. Grundmann 1,902 0.02
No party preference Anne Komarovsk 1,533 0.02
No party preference Dawit Kellel 1,358 0.02
No party preference Sam Sandak 1,220 0.01
No party preference Max Fomin 840 0.01
No party preference Lukasz Adam Filinski 526 0.01
No party preference Serge Fiankan 488 0.01
Total votes 9,230,834 100.00
Close

General election

Predictions

More information Source, Ranking ...
Source Ranking As of
Inside Elections[398] Solid D August 28, 2025
Race to the WH[399] Safe D June 19, 2026
RealClearPolitics[400] Solid D June 5, 2026
Sabato's Crystal Ball[401] Safe D September 4, 2025
The Cook Political Report[402] Solid D September 11, 2025
Close

Post-primary endorsements

Xavier Becerra (D)
Executive branch officials
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
Statewide officials
Individuals
  • Tom Steyer, businessman, environmental activist, and former gubernatorial candidate[406]
Organizations

Polling

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra (D)		 Steve
Hilton (R)		 Other Undecided
Kreate Strategies[409] June 13–17, 2026 900 (LV) ± 3.3% 58% 33% – 8%
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 58% 35% 2%[be] 5%
Berkeley IGS[410][G] May 19–24, 2026 8,578 (RV) ± 2.0% 52% 31% – 17%
Close
Hypothetical polling

Xavier Becerra vs. Tom Steyer

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra (D)		 Tom
Steyer (D)		 Other Undecided
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 37% 26% 19%[bf] 18%
Close

Tom Steyer vs. Steve Hilton

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Tom
Steyer (D)		 Steve
Hilton (R)		 Other Undecided
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 55% 34% 4%[bg] 7%
Close

Xavier Becerra vs. Katie Porter

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Xavier
Becerra (D)		 Katie
Porter (D)		 Other Undecided
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 42% 22% 20%[bh] 16%
Close

Steve Hilton vs. Chad Bianco

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Steve
Hilton (R)		 Chad
Bianco (R)		 Other Undecided
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 34% 15% 25%[bi] 26%
Close

Tom Steyer vs. Katie Porter

More information Poll source, Date(s) administered ...
Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[m]		 Margin
of error		 Tom
Steyer (D)		 Katie
Porter (D)		 Other Undecided
CEPP[332][F] May 23–26, 2026 735 (LV) ± 3.6% 31% 30% 19%[bf] 20%
Close


See also

Notes

  1. [a]
    Endorsement rescinded following allegations of sexual assault levied against Swalwell by multiple women.[20][21]
  2. [b]
    Robinson is a member of both the Peace and Freedom Party and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
  3. [c]
    Reregistered in 2026 as an independent after having been a Republican throughout his political career. In spite of the switch, he remained a member of the House Republican Conference.[131]
  4. [d]
    California holds separate elections for governor and lieutenant governor, but Romero and Hilton have declared that they are running on a "joint ticket".[134]
  5. [e]
    McClatchy Media owns The Sacramento Bee, The Modesto Bee, The Fresno Bee, Merced Sun-Star, and The Tribune
  6. [f]
    Calderon endorsed Swalwell after dropping out of the race, but rescinded his endorsement in April 2026 in light of sexual assault allegations from a former staffer.
  7. [g]
    When the article was published, San Diego had 8 city councilors, all 8 of whom endorsed Atkins. A ninth councilor was sworn in after the 2024 election.
  8. [h]
    Did not attend due to the January–February 2026 United States federal government shutdown
  9. [i]
    Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  10. [j]
    Tony Thurmond (D) at 1.3%
  11. [k]
    Butch Ware (G) with 2.0%; Tony Thurmond (D) with 1.1%; Bette Yee (D) with 1.0%; Leo Zacky (R) with 0.7%; Daniel Mercuri (R) with 0%
  12. [l]
    Eric Swalwell (D) with 1.9%
  13. [m]
    Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  14. [n]
    With voters who lean towards a given candidate
  15. [o]
    "Someone else" with 1%
  16. [p]
    "Someone else" with 2%
  17. [q]
    "Prefer not to answer" with 3%; "Some other candidate" with 1%; "Will skip that office on the ballot" with <1%
  18. [r]
    "Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Tony Thurmond round out the field in single digits."
  19. [s]
    "Prefer not to answer" with 2%; "Some other candidate" with 1%; "Will skip that office on the ballot" with <1%
  20. [t]
    "Someone else" with 5%
  21. [u]
    "Prefer not to answer" and "Some other candidate" with 2%; "Will skip that office on the ballot" with <1%
  22. [v]
    "Someone else" with 6%
  23. [w]
    "Prefer not to answer" with 3%; "Some other candidate" with 2%; "Will skip that office on the ballot" with <1%
  24. [x]
    Ian Calderon (D) with 2%; "Would not vote" with 1%
  25. [y]
    Ian Calderon (D) with 0%
  26. [z]
    Ian Calderon (D) and "Someone else" with 1%; John Slavett (R) with 0%
  27. [aa]
    "Someone else" with 3%; Butch Ware (G) with 2%; Ian Calderon (D), Brandon Jones (R), Jimmy Parker (R), Jon Slavet (R), Leo Zacky (R), and "No One" with 1%; Sharifah Hardie (R), Kyle Langford (R), and Daniel Mercuri (R) with 0%
  28. [ab]
    "All other candidates (Yee, Calderon, Thurmond)" and "Other" with 2%
  29. [ac]
    Butch Ware (G) with 2%; Ian Calderon (D) with 0%
  30. [ad]
    John Slavet (R) with 5%; Ian Calderon (D) with 2%
  31. [ae]
    Ché Ahn (R) and Jon Slavet (R) with 1%
  32. [af]
    Leo Zacky (R) and "Someone else" with 1%; Ian Calderon (D) and Jon Slavet (R) with <1%
  33. [ag]
    "Someone else" with 3%
  34. [ah]
    "Someone else" and "Not planning to vote" with 2%; Ian Calderon (D) with 1%
  35. [ai]
    Ian Calderon (D) with 1%
  36. [aj]
    "Someone else" with 12%; Ian Calderon (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), Brandon Jones (R), Kyle Langford (R), Daniel Mercuri (R), Jimmy Parker (R), and Butch Ware (G) with 1%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) and Leo Zacky (R) with <1%
  37. [ak]
    Stephen Cloobeck (D) and Ian Calderon (D) with 1%, "Other" with 7%
  38. [al]
    Butch Ware (G) at 2%; Ian Calderon (D) at 1%; "Someone else" with 13%
  39. [am]
    Stephen Cloobeck (D) and Ian Calderon (D) with 1%; "Someone else" with 2%
  40. [an]
    Ian Calderon (D) and Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 2%
  41. [ao]
    Eleni Kounalakis (D) with 3%; Toni Atkins (D) and Kyle Langford (R) with 2%; Stephen Cloobeck (D), Brandon Jones (R), Daniel Mercuri (R), and Jimmy Parker (R) with 1%; Sharifah Hardie (R), Butch Ware (G), Michael Younger (D), and Leo Zacky (R) with <1%; "Someone else" with 5%
  42. [ap]
    Toni Atkins (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), Brandon Jones (R), Kyle Langford (R), Jimmy Parker (R), Tony Thurmond (D) and Butch Ware (G) with 1%; Stephen Cloobeck (D), Daniel Mercuri (R) and Leo Zacky (R) with <.5%; "Someone else" with 2%
  43. [aq]
    Brian Dahle (R) and Richard Grenell (R) with 2%; Toni Atkins (D) and Tony Thurmond (D) with 1%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with <1%; "Someone else" with 3%
  44. [ar]
    Eleni Kounalakis (D) with 7%; Toni Atkins (D) with 4%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) and Tony Thurmond (D) with 2%
  45. [as]
    Eleni Kounalakis (D) with 3%; Toni Atkins (D) and Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 2%; Tony Thurmond (D) with 1%; "Someone else" with 5%
  46. [at]
    Tony Thurmond (D), Toni Atkins (D), Stephen Cloobeck (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), Daniel Mercuri (R), Kyle Langford (R) and Jimmy Parker (R) with 1%; Brandon Jones (R), Leo Zacky (R) and Butch Ware (G) with <.5%; "Someone else" with 2%
  47. [au]
    "Someone else" with 3%; Betty Yee (D), Stephen Cloobeck (D), Toni Atkins (D), Tony Thurmond (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), Brandon Jones (R), and Jimmy Parker (R) with 1%; Daniel Mercuri (R), Butch Ware (G), Michael Younger (D), and Leo Zacky (R) with <.5%
  48. [av]
    Rick Caruso (D) with 8%; Laphonza Butler (D) with 2%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 0%
  49. [aw]
    Total says 1073, but numbers add up to 1071
  50. [ax]
    Rick Caruso (D) with 8%; Laphonza Butler (D) with 4%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 0%
  51. [ay]
    Rob Bonta (D) with 4%; Rick Caruso (D) with 3%; Lanhee Chen (R) with 2%
  52. [az]
    Brian Dahle (R) with 9%; Rob Bonta (D) with 6%; Rick Caruso with 5%; Laphonza Butler (D) with 3%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 0%
  53. [ba]
    Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 1%
  54. [bb]
    Survey asked only Democratic voters. In California, all candidates run on the same ballot in a "blanket primary."
  55. [bc]
    "Someone else" with 3%; Michael Younger (D) with 1%
  56. [bd]
    "Someone else" with 8%; Michael Younger (D) with 1%
  57. [be]
    "I will not vote in this election for Governor" with 2%
  58. [bf]
    "I will not vote in this election for Governor" with 19%
  59. [bg]
    "I will not vote in this election for Governor" with 4%
  60. [bh]
    "I will not vote in this election for Governor" with 20%
  61. [bi]
    "I will not vote in this election for Governor" with 25%

Partisan and media clients

  1. [A]
    Poll sponsored by KGTV and the San Diego Union Tribune
  2. [B]
    Poll sponsored by Inside California Politics
  3. [C]
    Poll sponsored by Steyer's campaign
  4. [D]
    Poll sponsored by the California Post
  5. [E]
    Poll sponsored by Californians for a Fighter PAC
  6. [F]
    Poll sponsored by CSU Long Beach-USC-Cal Poly Pomona California Elections and Policy
  7. [G]
    Poll sponsored by the Los Angeles Times
  8. [H]
    Poll sponsored by Hilton's campaign
  9. [I]
    Poll sponsored by the California Democratic Party
  10. [J]
    Poll conducted for California Back to Basics PAC, which supports Mahan
  11. [K]
    Poll sponsored by Mahan's campaign
  12. [L]
    Poll commissioned by the committee "California is Not For Sale", which opposes Steyer
  13. [M]
    Poll sponsored by Becerra's campaign
  14. [N]
    Poll sponsored by Swalwell's campaign
  15. [O]
    Poll sponsored by Slavet's campaign
  16. [P]
    Poll sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 101, which opposes Mahan
  17. [Q]
    Poll sponsored by Villaraigosa's campaign
  18. [R]
    Poll sponsored by Porter's campaign
  19. [S]
    Poll sponsored by California Environmental Voters, who co-endorsed Porter and Steyer.[17]
  20. [T]
    Poll sponsored by Thurmond's campaign
  21. [U]
    Poll sponsored by an unnamed group supporting Swalwell's campaign
  22. [V]
    Poll sponsored by Woman Up
  23. [W]
    Poll sponsored by Inside California Politics and The Hill

References

External links

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