California Primary Elections Results 2026: The 2026 California primary election is seeing a dramatic political shake-up, with the race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom still too close to call. Early Primary election results show former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton leading a crowded field, while LA Mayor Karen Bass appears to be winning for a November runoff after failing to secure an outright majority.Â
Across the country, voters in six states cast ballots in crucial primary contests that will help determine the balance of power in Congress and several governors offices. With key races still unfolding, the primary results are already setting the stage for a fiercely contested general election this November.
California Primary News
California voters headed to the polls on Tuesday to decide several high-profile races, including the contest to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom. The state’s unique top-two primary system means the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
While votes are still being counted, several major candidates have effectively conceded defeat. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Representative Katie Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledged they are unlikely to advance to November’s ballot.
California’s vote-counting process is known for taking longer than most states because officials continue processing mail-in and provisional ballots for days after Election Day.
California Elections Results 2026 Latest Update
Early election returns indicate a competitive race at the top of the ballot. Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra emerged as the strongest performers as ballots continued to be counted statewide.
The uncertainty surrounding the outcome means election officials and campaigns are preparing for a lengthy counting process before a definitive result becomes available.
Several congressional and local races across the state also remain undecided, adding to the suspense surrounding California’s primary election night.
California Elections Results 2026: Who is Leading in the Governor Race?
As of the latest vote count, Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra appear to be in the strongest position to claim the two spots available in November’s general election.
Speaking to supporters in Orange County, Hilton praised his campaign’s performance and thanked Donald Trump for endorsing him. “We’ve got everything we need for this state to be amazing again,” Hilton said.
Meanwhile, Becerra celebrated what he described as an unlikely political comeback after many observers initially viewed him as a long-shot candidate. “The California Dream is alive tonight,” Xavier Becerra told supporters as early returns showed him in a strong position to advance to the general election.
He also said, “California is bigger than Trump. Our values are undeniable and un-deportable.”
Who is Xavier Becerra?
Xavier Becerra is a Democrat and one of California’s most experienced political figures. He previously served as California’s Attorney General and later became the US Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President Joe Biden.
Xavier Becerra has built his campaign around tackling housing affordability, expanding healthcare access, protecting environmental policies and lowering the cost of living for Californians. If elected, he would become California’s first elected Latino governor.
Who is Steve Hilton?
Steve Hilton is a Republican political commentator, former Fox News host and former adviser to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Originally from the United Kingdom, Hilton became a US citizen in 2021 and has emerged as the leading Republican candidate in the race.
Backed by President Donald Trump, Hilton has focused his campaign on affordability, public safety, reducing government regulations and challenging California’s long-standing Democratic leadership.
Why is California Still Counting Votes?
California’s election process allows mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted even if they arrive later. Officials must also verify signatures and process provisional ballots before releasing final results.
Because of the state’s large population and millions of ballots, close races often remain undecided for several days or even weeks after Election Day.
How Could the Governor’s Race Impact November’s Elections?
The California governor’s race could influence voter turnout and shape political momentum heading into November’s general election. A victory by either Xavier Becerra or Steve Hilton would have implications beyond California, as the state’s political direction often serves as a national indicator ahead of future federal elections.
The contest may also affect several competitive congressional races across the state. These shorter sections will fit naturally into the article without making it too lengthy while still adding SEO value.
LA Mayor Race: Who is Winning?
The Los Angeles mayoral election remains one of California’s most closely watched local contests. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass finished ahead of her rivals in the primary, but she failed to receive more than 50% of the vote, meaning the race will move to a runoff election in November.
The result highlights ongoing debates in Los Angeles over housing affordability, public safety and recovery efforts following recent natural disasters.
LA Mayor Results Live Update
Karen Bass is expected to face either Republican reality television personality Spencer Pratt or City Council member Nithya Raman in the November general election.
Pratt’s strong performance surprised many political observers and underscored growing voter frustration on local issues. Final results will determine which challenger advances to face Bass later this year.
The Los Angeles race is expected to attract significant attention and campaign spending over the coming months.
California Primary News: Iowa, New Jersey & New Mexico Results
Outside California, several important primary contests produced clear winners. In Iowa, State Representative Josh Turek secured the Democratic nomination for the state’s open US Senate seat and will face Republican Ashley Hinson in November.
Republican Zach Lahn won a closely contested gubernatorial primary and will challenge Democrat Rob Sand in the general election.
In New Jersey, Adam Hamawy won the Democratic nomination in the 12th Congressional District, while former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Benett captured the Democratic nomination in the 7th District.
In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. If elected in November, she would become the first Native American woman governor in US history.
California Governor Race
The California governor’s race has emerged as one of the most significant contests of the 2026 midterm cycle.
Becerra has campaigned on expanding affordable healthcare, addressing the state’s housing crisis and protecting progressive policies. Hilton has focused on economic issues, public safety and government reform.
With millions of ballots still being processed, both campaigns remain confident about their chances of advancing and ultimately winning the governor’s mansion.
California Elections Results 2026 Latest Update: What’s Next in November?
Attention will now shift toward the November general election, where California voters will choose their next governor and decide several competitive congressional races.
If current trends hold, a high-profile showdown between Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton could become one of the most closely watched gubernatorial battles in the United States.
As election officials continue counting ballots, candidates across California and the nation are already beginning to prepare for a pivotal general election campaign that could shape American politics for years to come.
