The 2026 California gubernatorial primary has finished, marking an important moment in the state’s politics. Voters have cast their ballots, and the race to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom is attracting a lot of public attention. With many candidates and California’s unique “top-two” primary system, here is what you need to know about the latest election results.

The Current Landscape: Who Is Leading?

Early results from the June 2, 2026, primary show a close race. Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California Attorney General, is a leading candidate in the Democratic Party. He is in a tight contest with Steve Hilton, a Republican and former political commentator, who has gained strong support from the GOP.

Trailing closely behind is climate activist and businessman Tom Steyer, who invested heavily in the campaign to push a progressive agenda focused on affordability and climate action.

Note: Election officials are still working on mail-in ballots. In California, ballots that are postmarked by Election Day can be counted for several days after the election. This means that final results might take some time to be confirmed.

Key Issues Driving the California Primary

Voters across the state have prioritized several critical challenges, ensuring these topics remained at the forefront of every candidate’s platform:

• Cost of Living: With gasoline prices, residential electricity rates, and housing costs significantly higher than the national average, affordability remains the “through line” of the 2026 election.

• Economic Strategy: Candidates have clashed on how to address the state’s economic hurdles. Becerra has emphasized his government experience and steady leadership, while Steyer has proposed structural changes, including tax reforms for the ultra-wealthy. Hilton, meanwhile, has campaigned on a “reset” for the state, proposing tax cuts and increased domestic energy production.

• Housing and Homelessness: With California’s housing crisis reaching a breaking point, candidates have faced pressure to present long-term, actionable solutions.

Understanding the California “Top-Two” System

California has a unique primary system where all candidates appear on one ballot, no matter their political party. The two candidates who receive the most votes, even if they are from the same party, move on to the general election in November.

This system has led to strategic planning during campaigns, as parties fear that their candidates might not qualify for the general election. Although Democrats were initially worried about having too many candidates, recent counts suggest that a diverse ballot may still be possible in November.

What Comes Next?

As the counting process continues, residents and political observers are watching for:

1. Final Vote Projections: With no clear front-runner declared by major networks yet, the coming days will be vital for transparency.

2. General Election Matchup: Once the top two candidates are confirmed, the campaign will shift toward the November general election, where the focus will narrow to two distinct visions for the future of California.

3. Local Impacts: While the governor’s race dominates headlines, many voters are also watching the results of critical local contests, including the Los Angeles mayoral primary and key legislative seats.

How to Follow the Results

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to monitor the California Secretary of State’s official election results page or reputable news outlets.

Disclaimer: The election results are not official until the California Secretary of State certifies them. Please keep checking local news for updates as more precincts report their results.