Democrat California Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks during an election night event in downtown Los Angeles, on June 2, 2026. Californians go to the polls Tuesday in the first round of voting for a new governor, with a tight three-way race for two run-off spots, while people in Los Angeles will also be voting for a new mayor. The state's so-called "jungle primary" pits all comers against each other -- regardless of party -- with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The November race to determine California’s next governor will pit a Democrat promising to cement the state’s status as a stronghold of liberal policies against a Republican pledging to dramatically reverse course. Democrat Xavier Becerra is a former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary. He says he is prepared to take on big challenges, including fights with President Donald Trump. Republican Steve Hilton is a conservative commentator backed by Trump. Hilton says he would bring much-needed change after more than 15 years of Democratic governance.
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