Xavier Becerra clinches top spot in California governor primary

After days of counting ballots, Democrat Xavier Becerra secured the top spot in the primary election, ensuring his advancement to the general election alongside Steve Hilton, who held the second position.

Katie Porter concedes California governor primary race

Katie Porter dips to 0%1%

Katie Porter conceded the race after failing to advance from the primary, confirming her exit from the contest and reflecting her market price dropping to zero.

Ché Ahn disqualified from primary ballot for failing to disclose tax returns

Ché Ahn plunges to 0%50%

Ché Ahn was disqualified from appearing on the June 2 primary ballot due to missing tax disclosures, forcing him to run as a write-in candidate, which significantly reduced his chances of advancing.

California Governor primary election held; Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer advance

Steve Hilton jumps to 95%8%

The non-partisan primary election took place on June 2, 2026, with Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer finishing as the top two vote-getters, thus advancing to the general election. This outcome was reflected in the market prices reaching near certainty for Hilton and Steyer.

California primary election results: Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra lead

Steve Hilton surges to 96%16%

Early results showed Republican Steve Hilton leading with 29% and Democrat Xavier Becerra also leading, with Tom Steyer trailing. The primary concluded with Hilton and Becerra advancing to the general election, while other candidates, including Steyer and Porter, failed to advance.

California primary election results confirm Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton advance

The official results of the June 2, 2026 California governor primary showed Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton as the top two vote-getters, securing their spots in the November general election.

California primary election results show Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra leading

Steve Hilton jumps to 96%11%

Early and partial results from the June 2 primary showed Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra leading the crowded field, positioning them as the likely top two candidates to advance to the general election. Tom Steyer trailed behind, and other candidates had negligible support.

Tom Steyer concedes California governor primary, finishing third

Tom Steyer plunges to 5%21%

Tom Steyer conceded the primary after finishing behind Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra, ending his bid despite spending over $215 million on his campaign.

Tom Steyer suffers sharp decline in primary odds after election results

Tom Steyer plunges to 5%52%

Following the primary election, Tom Steyer's market price plummeted from 57% to 5% as results showed he barely advanced and faced a tough general election. This reflected market reassessment of his chances in the general election.

Steve Hilton finishes second in California governor primary

Steve Hilton plunges to 63%23%

The same official result confirmed Steve Hilton as the second‑place finisher, solidifying his market position (63 % “Yes”).

Katie Porter concedes California governor primary race

Katie Porter drops to 0%8%

Katie Porter conceded the race after failing to advance from the primary, marking the end of her campaign and confirming she would not be in the general election.

California primary election results: Hilton and Becerra lead

Xavier Becerra surges to 99%21%

The official June 2 primary results showed Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra as the top two vote‑getters, sending their market “Yes” probabilities to near‑certainty (Becerra 99 % and Hilton 63 % by June 5).

California holds nonpartisan primary election for governor

Steve Hilton surges to 100%22%

The primary election took place on June 2, 2026, determining the top two candidates who would advance to the general election. Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra emerged as the top two vote-getters, securing their spots in the November general election.

Xavier Becerra advances to general election for California governor

Sophia Brink plunges to 0%51%

Democrat Xavier Becerra led the primary election and secured one of the two spots to advance to the general election, maintaining a strong position throughout the campaign.

California holds nonpartisan primary election for governor

The primary election was held on June 2, 2026, with all candidates appearing on the same ballot. The top two vote-getters would advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

California primary election held; Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra lead

Steve Hilton surges to 100%18%

The June 2 primary election results showed Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra as the top two vote-getters, securing their spots in the November general election for governor.

President Trump posts praise for Steve Hilton on X

Steve Hilton plunges to 63%23%

Trump’s social‑media post on May 30 praising Hilton caused a short‑term spike in Hilton’s market price (86 % → 63 % by June 5) as the market adjusted to the renewed endorsement.

Katie Porter concedes California Governor race after poor polling and viral controversies

Katie Porter drops to 0%7%

Katie Porter conceded the race after struggling with viral videos showing temper issues and poor polling performance. Her exit removed a notable Democratic candidate from contention, consolidating the field.

Tom Steyer campaigns in Ventura County emphasizing change and workers' rights

Tom Steyer plunges to 35%24%

Steyer continued his campaign with stops in Ventura County, focusing on change, workers' rights, and addressing the needs of farm workers. His heavy spending and populist messaging kept him competitive in the Democratic field.

Tom Steyer tours Ventura County, campaign spending tops $130 million

Tom Steyer rises to 34%1%

Steyer’s Ventura County bus‑tour on May 20 highlighted his spending of over $130 million, reinforcing his image as the wealthiest candidate and nudging his market price upward to 34 % from 33 % the prior week.

Poll shows Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra leading California governor race

An EVITARUS poll showed Steve Hilton leading with 22% and Xavier Becerra close behind at 21%, confirming their status as the top two candidates ahead of the primary election.

Xavier Becerra becomes favorite in California governor’s race amid primary push

Xavier Becerra surges to 74%15%

Betting markets and polls showed Xavier Becerra as the clear favorite to win the California governor primary, reflecting his surge in support and campaign momentum after Swalwell’s exit.

California Teachers Association endorses Tom Steyer for governor

Tom Steyer jumps to 54%5%

The California Teachers Association officially endorsed Tom Steyer, reinforcing his progressive credentials and boosting his campaign momentum ahead of the primary.

Becerra leads latest Emerson poll; Hilton and Steyer close behind

Steve Hilton surges to 86%16%

Multiple outlets (KABC‑AM, Daily News, Redlands Daily Facts, etc.) reported the same Emerson poll, emphasizing Becerra’s narrow lead over Hilton and Steyer, which drove Becerra above 70 % and Hilton up to 86 % before a late‑June dip.

Xavier Becerra leads California governor race in Emerson College poll

Xavier Becerra jumps to 59%6%

A poll by Emerson College showed Xavier Becerra leading the crowded field with 19% support, closely followed by Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer, indicating Becerra's growing front-runner status.

Katie Porter faces campaign struggles amid viral outbursts

Katie Porter drops to 3%7%

Katie Porter's campaign stalled due to viral videos showing temperament issues, which critics said raised questions about her electability, contributing to her decline in polling and market price.

Emerson poll (May 9‑10) shows Becerra 19 % and Hilton 17 % support

Xavier Becerra jumps to 59%7%

The May 9‑10 Emerson poll (released May 10) gave Becerra 19 % support and Hilton 17 %, pushing Becerra’s market price from 52 % to 59 % and Hilton’s from 53 % to 71 %.

California Governor debate highlights tight race between Steyer and Hilton

Steve Hilton jumps to 87%9%

A televised debate featuring top candidates including Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer underscored the close contest ahead of the June primary. Polls showed Hilton and Steyer neck and neck, reinforcing market confidence in their advancement.

Poll shows Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra tied for lead in California governor race

An EVITARUS tracking poll commissioned by the California Democratic Party showed Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra tied at 18% each, leading the crowded field ahead of the June primary.

Emerson poll finds Becerra ahead, Hilton second in California governor race

Steve Hilton surges to 60%20%

A second Emerson poll released at the end of April confirmed Becerra’s lead and showed Hilton still in second place, reinforcing the market rally for both candidates.

Americans4Hindus endorses Ethan Agarwal for Congress, signaling shift from governor race

Ethan Agarwal plunges to 0%50%

Ethan Agarwal, who initially ran for California governor, shifted focus to a congressional race and received endorsements, indicating his reduced chances in the governor primary.

California gubernatorial debate at Pomona College features top candidates

A major gubernatorial debate was held at Pomona College, providing candidates including Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer a platform to present their policies and gain voter support ahead of the primary.

Emerson poll shows Xavier Becerra surges to lead California governor race

Xavier Becerra surges to 54%44%

An Emerson College poll released on April 22 showed Xavier Becerra leading with 19 % support, the first time he topped the field, causing his market odds to jump sharply from 10 % to over 50 %.

Polls show Xavier Becerra rising in California governor primary after Swalwell exit

Xavier Becerra surges to 53%46%

Following Eric Swalwell's departure from the race amid sexual assault allegations, polls showed Xavier Becerra gaining significant support, rising to become a leading candidate in the crowded field.

California Teachers Association endorses Tom Steyer for governor

Tom Steyer jumps to 66%5%

The California Teachers Association endorsed Tom Steyer, boosting his progressive credentials and campaign momentum by highlighting his commitment to education funding and corporate tax reform.

Poll shows Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton leading California Governor primary

A SurveyUSA poll indicated Democrat Tom Steyer leading with 21% and Republican Steve Hilton at 18%, signaling a competitive race. This poll influenced market prices, boosting Hilton's and Steyer's odds of advancing.

Poll shows Tom Steyer and Steve Hilton leading California governor race

Tom Steyer surges to 61%26%

A SurveyUSA poll showed Democrat Tom Steyer leading with 21% and Republican Steve Hilton close behind at 18%, marking a shift after Eric Swalwell's exit and Trump's endorsement of Hilton, signaling a competitive race between these two candidates.

California Teachers Association endorses Tom Steyer for governor

Tom Steyer surges to 64%25%

The California Teachers Association, a major labor union, endorsed Tom Steyer, bolstering his progressive credentials and support among educators ahead of the primary.

Eric Swalwell drops out of California governor race amid sexual‑assault allegations

Xavier Becerra surges to 54%44%

Rep. Eric Swalwell ended his gubernatorial campaign after sexual‑assault allegations surfaced, removing a front‑runner and clearing the way for Xavier Becerra to attract former Swalwell supporters.

Eric Swalwell suspends California governor campaign

Eric Swalwell dips to 0%1%

Following the allegations and loss of support, Eric Swalwell officially suspended his campaign for governor, removing a leading Democratic contender from the race and reshaping the field.

Sexual misconduct allegations surface against Eric Swalwell

Eric Swalwell plunges to 1%55%

Reports by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle detailed multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell, including a former staffer accusing him of sexual assault. This led to rapid loss of support from Democratic leaders and staff resignations, severely damaging his campaign.

Sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell surface

Eric Swalwell plunges to 1%49%

Reports of sexual misconduct allegations against Eric Swalwell led to a rapid collapse of his campaign, loss of endorsements, and staff resignations, drastically altering the Democratic primary landscape.

Sexual assault allegations emerge against Eric Swalwell, prompting calls to end campaign

Eric Swalwell plunges to 1%65%

Multiple women accused Swalwell of sexual assault and misconduct, leading to widespread condemnation and calls from Democratic leaders for him to drop out. This severely damaged his campaign and support among voters and party officials.

President Donald Trump endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

Steve Hilton surges to 78%28%

Donald Trump's endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton significantly boosted Hilton's profile and polling numbers, consolidating conservative support and impacting the Republican primary dynamics.

Donald Trump endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

Donald Trump publicly endorsed Steve Hilton, boosting Hilton's profile and support among Republican voters in California, which contributed to his rise in the primary race.

President Trump endorses Steve Hilton for California governor

Steve Hilton jumps to 40%14%

President Trump publicly endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton, giving the Republican candidate a credibility boost that lifted his market price from low‑single digits to the mid‑teens.

Donald Trump endorses Republican Steve Hilton for California governor

Steve Hilton plunges to 28%22%

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Steve Hilton, boosting Hilton's profile and campaign momentum in the Republican field. This endorsement was seen as a significant factor in Hilton's rise in the polls and fundraising.

Tom Steyer enters California Governor race with populist platform

Tom Steyer surges to 42%18%

Billionaire Tom Steyer officially launched his campaign for California Governor as a Democrat, focusing on economic equity, climate action, and taxing the wealthy. His entry energized the Democratic field and led to a rise in his market prices.

Eric Swalwell accuses FBI of election interference amid investigation reports

Eric Swalwell drops to 56%5%

Swalwell publicly accused the FBI and Trump administration of attempting to interfere in the California election after reports of a closed investigation into him surfaced. This controversy raised doubts about his campaign viability and foreshadowed later troubles.

Ché Ahn disqualified from primary ballot for missing tax disclosures

Ché Ahn plunges to 0%50%

Ché Ahn was disqualified from appearing on the June 2 primary ballot due to failure to file required tax disclosures, forcing him to run as a write-in candidate and significantly reducing his chances of advancing.

Tom Steyer holds town hall in Palm Springs focusing on affordability

Tom Steyer surges to 61%22%

Steyer emphasized affordability issues, proposing to remove Proposition 13 protections from commercial properties and introduce competition to power companies to lower costs, aiming to boost his appeal among voters concerned about living expenses.

Tom Steyer holds Palm Springs town hall focusing on affordability

Tom Steyer jumps to 41%13%

Tom Steyer emphasized affordability issues, proposing tax reforms and competition in electricity markets, aiming to appeal to voters concerned about cost of living, which helped maintain his position in the race.

California Secretary of State removes Butch Ware from primary ballot

Butch Ware dips to 1%2%

Butch Ware, the Green Party candidate, was removed from the June 2 primary ballot due to failure to file correct tax returns on time, significantly impacting his campaign viability and market price.

Butch Ware hosts Revolutionary Rally for California Governor campaign

Butch Ware dips to 2%1%

Green Party candidate Butch Ware held a high-profile rally featuring Roger Waters and other activists, aiming to energize progressive voters. Despite this, his campaign struggled to gain traction, reflected in his low market prices and eventual disqualification from the primary ballot.

Kyle Langford ends California governor campaign to run for Congress

Kyle Langford plunges to 0%51%

Kyle Langford announced on January 12, 2026, that he was ending his campaign for governor and would instead run for Congress, leading to a decline in his market price to zero.

Tom Steyer officially enters California governor race as Democrat

Tom Steyer plunges to 24%27%

Billionaire Tom Steyer launched his campaign focusing on economic inequality, climate change, and taxing the wealthy, quickly becoming a major contender due to his resources and progressive platform.