Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra Lead California Governor’s Race, Appear Bound for November Runoff

California voters may have just set the stage for one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests in the nation.

Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra emerged as the top candidates in unofficial early returns Wednesday morning and appeared headed for a November showdown to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

With ballots still being counted and official certification weeks away, both candidates claimed momentum after finishing ahead of a crowded field of 61 contenders.

For Hilton, the result marks a major breakthrough in his bid to become the first Republican elected California governor since former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election in 2006.

“Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,” Hilton told supporters at his election-night gathering in Orange County.

ELECTION NIGHT: HUNTINGTON BEACH

Thank you, California! We are energized and we are ready to save California!

Change is coming ☀️👊 pic.twitter.com/htvtuivdhv

— Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) June 3, 2026

The Trump-backed candidate argued that Californians are fed up with rising costs and years of one-party rule.

Speaking with Fox News Digital after his speech, Hilton said voters responded to what he described as straightforward solutions to everyday problems.

“Everything is too expensive in California. We’re going to cut people’s costs,” he pledged.

Hilton, a former British political strategist and Fox News host, has centered his campaign on affordability, public safety, government accountability and reversing the policies that have dominated Sacramento for years.

Meanwhile, Becerra celebrated his own strong performance and framed his campaign as a continuation of California’s tradition of breaking barriers.

The former California attorney general and former Biden administration Cabinet secretary noted that a victory in November would make him the first Latino governor of California since 1875.

“This is more than a Hollywood ending. More than a milestone,” Becerra told supporters. “That’s the everyday miracle of living in a state that makes the improbable seem inevitable.”

California’s unique jungle-primary system places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election.

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the performance of billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer. Despite spending more than $200 million of his own fortune on the race, Steyer remained stuck in third place as votes continued to be tabulated.

More than $80 million in outside spending also poured into the contest, making it one of the most expensive gubernatorial primaries in state history.

Among the other high-profile candidates falling short of the top two were Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, former Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

Hilton closed the night with a nod to Schwarzenegger, showing supporters the American and California flag lining inside his blazer. He said the former governor had encouraged him years ago to wear it.

“Arnold, I did that for you,” Hilton said.

If the early returns hold, California voters will now face a stark choice in November: a Democrat closely aligned with the state’s political establishment or a Republican promising a dramatic break from the status quo.

Watch Hilton on Hannity above.