California voters headed to the polls Tuesday to select a new governor, with incumbent Gavin Newsom term-limited and eyeing a potential 2028 presidential bid. The race pits Democrat Xavier Becerra against Republican Steve Hilton in the state's top-two primary runoff.
Becerra, who served as U.S. Health and Human Services secretary under President Biden and previously as California's attorney general, emerged as the leading vote-getter in the primary, outpacing a crowded Democratic field that included billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter. Hilton, a British-born political commentator and former Fox News regular, secured the second spot.
Polls closed at 11 p.m. EST, with results expected to trickle in through the night. The outcome will shape California's political landscape for years to come, as the state grapples with housing affordability, homelessness, and climate change.
Becerra has campaigned on continuing Newsom's progressive policies, emphasizing healthcare expansion and environmental protections. Hilton, meanwhile, has positioned himself as a reformer, promising to roll back regulations and address the state's cost-of-living crisis.
Political analysts note that California's Democratic lean gives Becerra a significant advantage, but Hilton's appeal to independents and disaffected voters could make the race closer than expected. Recent polls showed Becerra with a double-digit lead, but turnout will be key.
The governor's race is one of several high-profile contests across the country, including Colorado's gubernatorial election and Georgia's open seat. In Hawaii, incumbent Josh Green is seeking a second term, while Wyoming's race features a GOP primary.
As results come in, voters are also weighing in on ballot measures and down-ballot races. The Democrats' generic ballot edge has narrowed, reflecting a competitive national environment.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as California's next governor is decided.
