California voters have spoken. Early returns from the November 2026 gubernatorial election show former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra leading Republican businessman and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton by a decisive 64% to 36% margin, according to NBC News projections.
Election Overview
Becerra, 68, is on track to become the first Latino governor of California since Romualdo Pacheco, who briefly held the office in 1875. The projected victory would also make Becerra the first Latino to be elected governor of the nation’s most populous state. He is slated to be sworn in January, succeeding Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Geographic Breakdown
The statewide map reflects strong support for Becerra in California’s densely populated coastal and urban centers. In Los Angeles County, the state’s largest county, Becerra enjoys a 71% to 29% edge. Hilton’s support is concentrated in parts of central and northern California, but it is insufficient to overcome the Democratic advantage in the state’s major population hubs.
Historical Context
California has not elected a Republican governor since former actor‑turned‑politician Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011. The last time a Republican held the governor’s seat, Schwarzenegger was elected in a 2003 recall election following the resignation of Gov. Gray Davis. Becerra’s projected win continues a decades‑long Democratic dominance in statewide offices.
Trump Endorsement
President Trump publicly endorsed Steve Hilton on Election Day, highlighting the administration’s support for a business‑oriented, conservative alternative to the Democratic establishment. While the endorsement underscored the Trump administration’s commitment to expanding conservative representation in traditionally blue states, the early results indicate that California voters remain aligned with the Democratic platform on key issues.
What Comes Next
With the projected outcome, attention now turns to Becerra’s upcoming agenda. As a former health‑care leader, he is expected to prioritize expanding access to health services, addressing climate change, and advancing progressive economic policies. The incoming administration will inherit a state budget that reflects both robust tax revenues and ongoing challenges related to housing affordability and public safety.
Election officials will continue to update the vote totals as additional precincts report. The final certification of the results is expected in the coming weeks.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
