California’s 2026 governor race is drawing national attention as early unofficial results show a crowded primary battle still unfolding after Election Day.

According to the California Secretary of State’s official election results page, Republican Steve Hilton is currently leading the statewide governor primary with about 27.6% of the vote, followed by Democrat Xavier Becerra with about 25.5%. Democrat Tom Steyer is in third with about 19.7%, while Republican Chad Bianco follows with about 11.3%.

The results are still unofficial. California officials said vote-by-mail, provisional and other ballots will continue to be processed and counted after Election Night, meaning the numbers may still change during the canvass period. The state says final certification is expected by July 10, 2026.

The governor primary is important because California uses a top-two primary system, where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party. If the current order holds, Hilton and Becerra would move toward a high-profile general election fight in one of America’s most politically powerful states.

The early results also show the strength of California’s polarized political environment. Hilton’s lead gives Republicans a major headline in a state long dominated by Democrats, while Becerra remains the strongest Democratic contender in the field so far.

However, the race should not be treated as final. California’s large number of mail ballots means results can shift after Election Night, especially in close contests. Voters, campaigns and media outlets will be watching updates from the Secretary of State as counties continue reporting.

For now, the message is clear: California’s governor race is far from over, but the first major snapshot shows Hilton and Becerra ahead in a crowded and closely watched primary.