Becerra, Hilton Face Off for California Governor
Former Congressman Xavier Becerra and former Fox News host Steve Hilton will contest California's governorship in the November 3, 2026 general election.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton advanced from California's June 2 top-two primary and will face each other in the general election on Tuesday, November 3. The contest will determine who succeeds Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek a third consecutive term under state term limits.
Why it matters
The winner will take over a state government with considerable authority over the budget, legislation and the executive branch. Newsom's departure after two terms opens the top office in California to a new occupant.
Becerra took about 28% and Hilton about 25% in the June 2 primary, based on the primary's top-two advancement rule. Voters will decide between them on November 3, and the general-election outcome remains unknown.
The players
Xavier Becerra
Becerra is a Democrat who previously served in Congress, as California attorney general, and as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Steve Hilton
Hilton is a former Fox News host who is running as a Republican and has not previously held elected office.
Gavin Newsom
Newsom is the current California governor, first elected in 2018, who is barred from seeking another consecutive term.
The details
Becerra previously represented California in Congress, served as state attorney general from 2017 to 2021, and led the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2021 to 2025. Hilton is a former Fox News host who has not previously held elected office.
Timeline
June 2, 2026: Top-two primary advanced Becerra and Hilton.
November 3, 2026: General election for governor.
2018: Newsom first elected, succeeding Jerry Brown.
2021: Newsom survived a recall election.
2022: Newsom won a second four-year term.
Political Context
California's two-term limit for governors, which bars Newsom from seeking a third consecutive term, is the reason this race is an open-seat contest. The limit also means the state's top office turns over regularly, as it did when Newsom succeeded Jerry Brown, who served 16 years.
The winner will gain authority over the state budget, legislation and the executive branch, which affects spending and policy for California residents. Voters who want a say in that direction must cast ballots in the November 3 general election.
The takeaway
The November 3 general election will determine who takes over California's governorship from Gavin Newsom. Voters should review each candidate's platform before casting their ballot.
What happens next
Voters will decide the race in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For background on how the state's voting and candidate rules work, see Elections coverage for California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Siskiyou Daily News.
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Do you think California is heading in the right direction under state government?
