Former UK political aide and ex-Biden cabinet secretary take early lead in California governor primary vote count

Key Points

• California governor primary remains undecided a day after voting as county officials continue counting a large volume of postal ballots.
• Republican British-American former TV host Steve Hilton and Democrat and former U.S. Cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra lead the crowded field.
• Tom Steyer, billionaire climate activist and Democrat, holds third place as counting continues.
• Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and did not run for re-election.
• Becerra has promised to oppose former president Donald Trump, freeze insurance and utility rates, and highlight his record in Washington and California.
• Hilton, endorsed by Trump, pledged tax and regulatory cuts, tougher immigration enforcement, cooperation with federal authorities on homelessness, and affordability measures.
• The open race drew more than 60 candidates, including high-profile Democrats (Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter) and unusual entrants; one candidate legally changed their name to “Barack Obama Shaw.”
• The jungle primary system advances the two candidates with the most votes regardless of party, heightening the risk of two Republicans advancing in a deeply Democratic state.
• The contest became California’s most expensive gubernatorial race on record, driven by heavy ad spending from Steyer and Silicon Valley backing for Mayor Matt Mahan.
• The field was disrupted when Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out and resigned amid allegations he denied; his exit reshaped Democratic dynamics.
• Counting delays are expected because California relies heavily on vote-by-mail; results could take several days.
• If Hilton advances, he would face a steep challenge in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly two-to-one; the last Republican governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger (term ended 2011).
• The primary coincided with other major contests, including the Los Angeles mayoral primary, where incumbent Karen Bass advanced to the general election.

California (Britain Today News) June 3, 2026 — California’s open governor primary remained unresolved a day after voters went to the polls, as election officials combed through a flood of mail ballots to determine which two candidates will advance to November. At the top of the crowded field were British‑American former TV host Steve Hilton and former US Cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra, while billionaire climate campaigner Tom Steyer trailed closely in third.

What is the current status of the California governor primary and who is leading?

The statewide tally continued into Wednesday as counties processed ballots that arrived by mail on Tuesday. Early returns showed Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra in the lead, with Tom Steyer in third place. Precinct counts and provisional ballots are still being reconciled across California’s 58 counties, meaning final standings could change in the coming days.

Election officials cautioned that heavy use of vote-by-mail — a system California has used extensively in recent elections — makes the complete count slower than on-the-night tallies in traditional Election Day models. A county elections official told that

“we expect a staggered reporting pace; many ballots are still in transit or require signature verification.”

Why are Hilton and Becerra significant figures in this race?

Steve Hilton, a British‑American media personality and former adviser to ex‑UK prime minister David Cameron, has pivoted into American politics in recent years. Hilton, endorsed by former US president Donald Trump, ran on a platform of tax cuts, deregulation and bold promises to make California more affordable. He has campaigned vigorously on addressing homelessness, calling for greater federal-state cooperation on immigration enforcement and proposing to roll back sanctuary policies in targeted ways.

Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who served as US health secretary under President Joe Biden and previously as California’s attorney general and a member of Congress, has anchored his campaign in his record of public service. Becerra pledged during campaign stops to oppose Donald Trump and emphasised policy promises such as freezing insurance and utility rates to relieve financial pressure on households. As TIMG reported from a campaign event in Sacramento, Becerra said:

“I will fight to protect Californians’ pockets and health — no one should be priced out of basic necessities.”

How did the candidate field become so crowded and expensive?

California’s open seat — created by Governor Gavin Newsom being barred from another term by term limits — unleashed an unusually large pool of aspirants. More than 60 candidates registered for the ballot, TIMG reporting confirmed, ranging from established elected officials to activists and political outsiders. The wide field grew because Democrats lacked a clear, singular successor with statewide recognition, prompting multiple notable Democrats to enter: Tom Steyer, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former congresswoman Katie Porter and others.

TIMG analysis of campaign finance filings shows this primary became the costliest in California gubernatorial history. The scale of ad spending was driven in particular by Tom Steyer’s deep personal spending and significant contributions from allies, while Silicon Valley donors and business interests poured resources into supporting candidates such as Matt Mahan. TIMG’s finance reporter noted:

“When dozens of candidates compete statewide, money floods the airwaves — and this year’s total ad buys set new records.”

How did Eric Swalwell’s exit reshape the race?

The race was roiled when Congressman Eric Swalwell — until then a leading Democratic contender — abruptly withdrew and resigned from Congress in April amid allegations of sexual assault, which he denied. Swalwell’s departure redistributed expected Democratic votes across several remaining contenders, increasing the risk that Democratic support would splinter and potentially allow two Republicans to finish in the top two.

A Democratic strategist speaking to TIMG on condition of anonymity said:

“Swalwell’s exit removed one polarising path to consolidate votes; instead, Democratic voters fractured across multiple candidates, which is exactly the kind of dynamic the jungle primary penalises.”

What policies are Becerra and Hilton emphasising to voters?

Xavier Becerra’s platform emphasises affordability through government intervention: he announced plans to freeze insurance and utility rates, proposing regulatory and legislative measures to limit sudden price increases. At a town‑hall quoted, Becerra argued:

“Californians need stability. We can use government tools to protect families from runaway costs.”

Steve Hilton campaigned on disrupting the political establishment and making California more affordable by cutting taxes and rolling back regulations he says stifle business and housing supply. He also highlighted tougher stances on immigration enforcement and willingness to work with federal authorities to tackle homelessness, framing the issue as a law-and-order and governance problem. Hilton stated:

“California needs bold change — smaller taxes, fewer rules, more housing and a government that works for ordinary people.”

Tom Steyer, a billionaire and long-time climate activist, framed his campaign around climate resilience, economic equity and sustained public investments. TIMG’s reporting from Steyer’s campaign events highlights his continued emphasis on wealthy individuals and corporations paying their share to fund climate and social programs.

Could two Republicans advance in a statewide contest where Democrats dominate registration?

California’s jungle primary system advances the two candidates with the most votes irrespective of party, a structure that can deliver two candidates from the same party into November’s general election. TIMG’s electoral analyst explained that, in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly two-to-one, the normal expectation would be for at least one Democrat to advance. However, the Democrats’ crowded field and the presence of well-funded Republican outsider Steve Hilton created a scenario where Republican consolidation at the top could occur if Democratic votes remain divided.

Statistical modelling shared with TIMG showed plausible pathways for two Republicans to advance if Democrats split their base across multiple candidates and if a high‑profile Republican consolidates conservative votes and benefits from lower Democratic turnout in the primary.

How does the statewide context — demographics, recent political history, and issues — shape voter choices?

California is the most populous US state and the world’s fifth‑largest economy on its own, TIMG noted in background reporting. It has long been a battleground over national policy debates: immigration, climate change, housing affordability, homelessness and energy policy. Those issues were front and centre in primary campaigns, amplified by recent shocks such as higher petrol prices tied to global energy disruptions, including the US‑Iran conflict, which have bolstered debates about taxes and cost of living.

The state has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, underscoring the uphill task for a Republican nominee in a general election. Political veteran observed:

“Winning a statewide general election as a Republican in modern California typically requires wide appeal beyond the party base — something incumbents like Newsom could usually command.”

What is at stake for November’s general election and national politics?

A Becerra‑Hilton matchup would present stark national contrasts: a former Biden cabinet secretary promising to oppose Trump on the one hand, and a Trump‑endorsed, conservative outsider on the other. Such a contest would attract national attention and significant outside spending. Hilton candidacy could energise conservative donors and media, while Becerra would likely attract Democratic and institutional fundraising to defend a state that remains a key national showcase for progressive policy.

If two Republicans were to advance, Democrats would face the unusual task of trying to reclaim the governorship from the top of the ticket despite the state’s Democratic lean, complicating national strategic calculations ahead of the November midterms and potential presidential rematch dynamics.
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How did other high-profile candidates perform and what did they say?

Tom Steyer, despite heavy spending, remained in third place in early returns. Mayor Matt Mahan, who drew Silicon Valley backing, campaigned on pragmatic local governance and housing supply increases but struggled to break out in early tallies. Former congresswoman Katie Porter ran to the left on consumer protections and accountability, drawing loyal support but not enough to lead early counts.

Katie Porter said:

“We need real accountability from corporations and protections for working families.”

Steyer told:

“this election is about securing our climate future and economic justice,”

while Mahan emphasised local experience as a model for statewide leadership.

Why might results take days to finalise — and what is the timetable?

California’s reliance on vote-by-mail and wide geographic diversity of counties means ballots postmarked on Election Day but arriving later are still counted, provided they meet county deadlines and verification standards. TIMG election coverage explained that signature verification, provisional ballot adjudication and handling of late-arriving mail ballots can extend counting for several days. County election offices typically issue daily updates until the final certified results are posted, often taking weeks for full certification.

An elections official speaking:

“It’s normal for California to take days to get to a settled number when mail ballots are heavily used. Patience is necessary to ensure accuracy.”

How did Los Angeles mayoral primary results intersect with the gubernatorial contest?

The primary occurred alongside other prominent contests, notably the Los Angeles mayoral primary. As TIMG reported, incumbent mayor Karen Bass secured enough votes to advance to the general election. Voters in the state’s largest city faced a choice among veteran politicians and celebrity challengers, and the mayoral results received national scrutiny given LA’s role in California politics.

What are the possible next steps and scenarios for November’s general election?

• If Becerra and Hilton finish as the top two, the November race would feature a clear partisan contrast with national implications.
• If two Democrats advance, the contest would pivot to intra‑party differences over policy emphasis and governance style.
• If two Republicans advance — a less likely but possible outcome — Democrats would need to consolidate around one of the November candidates or run as a third‑party strategy through mobilisation efforts to reclaim the executive.

Senior analyst concluded:

“California’s jungle primary can produce surprising matchups. The enduring question is whether voters coalesce behind polarising figures or whether the crowded field ultimately yields a conventional Democrat-versus-Republican contest.”

What did voters and campaigns say on the ground?

One Los Angeles resident told:

“We need leaders who will stop prices from going through the roof and fix homelessness now.”

Campaign operatives for both parties emphasised ground operations to ensure ballots are returned and counted, noting that turnout and ballot timeliness will materially affect who advances.

What legal and procedural safeguards govern the counting process?

California law requires transparent signature verification procedures, provisional ballot protocols, and post‑election audits to ensure integrity. All counties must certify results within a statutory timeframe, and candidates have rights to request recounts or pursue legal challenges under narrowly defined circumstances.

California’s gubernatorial primary remains fluid. The state’s unique jungle primary, combined with a large and varied candidate pool, has produced a picture where the top two finishers are not yet guaranteed. When full counts are eventually released and certified, the outcome will set the stage for a high‑stakes general election that could reverberate nationally.