In the 2026 California gubernatorial election, Democrat Xavier Becerra was projected to win with 64% of the vote, defeating Republican businessman and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, who was endorsed by President Trump.
Election results by county
The NBC News projection shows Becerra leading by a wide margin across the state’s 58 counties. Urban centers and coastal areas delivered strong support for Becerra, while Hilton found pockets of backing in parts of central and northern California. The map of county results reflects the traditional Democratic strength in the state’s population hubs.
Candidate backgrounds
Becerra, 68, previously served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is poised to become the first Latino governor of California since Romualdo Pacheco briefly assumed the office in 1875. Hilton, a businessman and former Fox News commentator, campaigned on a platform of fiscal restraint and regulatory reform, emphasizing his endorsement by President Trump as a sign of alignment with the administration’s economic agenda.
Trump’s endorsement
President Trump publicly supported Hilton on Election Day, praising his business experience and commitment to reducing government overreach. While the endorsement highlighted the Trump administration’s continued involvement in state races, California voters ultimately favored Becerra’s experience and policy proposals.
Historical context
California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011. Becerra’s projected victory continues the Democratic hold on the governor’s mansion, a trend that has persisted for more than a decade. The result also underscores the challenges faced by Republican candidates in a state where Democratic registration outnumbers Republican registration by a significant margin.
What’s next
As the results are finalized, Becerra will prepare to assume office in January 2027. His administration is expected to focus on health care, climate initiatives, and expanding access to education, while maintaining the state’s progressive policy trajectory. Hilton, despite the loss, signaled that his campaign will continue to advocate for limited government and free‑market principles, hoping to build a stronger Republican presence in future statewide contests.
Results will be updated as additional county tallies become available.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
