By Karen Pearlman
June 2, 2026 (San Diego) — With the polls closed for just over an hour in the California primary, early returns are painting the picture of a highly competitive, three-way shootout to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Because of California’s nonpartisan voting system, the entire 61-candidate field has been a scramble. Only the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will be on the November ballot. With approximately 51.8 percent of the expected statewide vote processed, the race is a razor-thin affair at the top, driven by heavy vote-by-mail numbers and early dynamic shifts in key battlegrounds like San Diego County.
As it stands, Republican Steve Hilton, a conservative political commentator, holds a narrow lead with 26.6 percent over a surging Democratic establishment favorite, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who has 25.9 percent.
Billionaire progressive activist Tom Steyer remains in striking distance, however with 744,630 votes (19.7 percent).
Republican Chad Bianco has 11.2 percent and Democrat Katie Porter 5.1 percent; Matt Mahan, Democrat, has 4.6%. All other candidates trail with low single digit percentages
Early local returns show Hilton outperforming his statewide average by nearly six percentage points here, with Hilton taking 32.49 percent of the vote and Becerra 24.91 percent. Steyer (18.01 percent), Bianco (9.42 percent) and Porter (4.31 percent) are trailing by a large margin.
While San Diego County has trended blue in recent presidential cycles, Hilton’s populist platform appears to have resonated deeply with local independent and conservative voters looking for a change from the current leadership.
Hilton is a former political adviser to U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and former Fox News television host, has built his campaign around a self-styled “positive populist” message. He has been critical of Sacramento’s handling of the cost of living, homelessness and high taxes. His strong showing in early returns demonstrates a robust consolidation of the Republican base, alongside notable appeal to moderate independents frustrated by the state’s economic landscape.
Becerra has one of the deepest resumes in California politics, having served as a long-time U.S. Congressman, California Attorney General, and most recently, a member of former President Joe Biden’s cabinet as HHS Secretary. Representing the traditional center-left wing of the Democratic party, Becerra’s campaign has focused on protecting reproductive freedom and expanding healthcare access, as well as standing up to the Trump administration. As the state’s Attorney General, Becerra filed over 100 lawsuits challenging Trump administration actions, securing many victories in court.