California Governor's Race Set for November

Is Hilton the outsider California needs to fix its failures or is Becerra the experienced leader to keep it on track?
California Governor's Race Set for November
Above: Steve Hilton in Huntington Beach, Calif.a on June 2. Image credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Spin


Republican narrative

Democrats have ruled the state for sixteen years, resulting in a high poverty rate, skyrocketing costs and rising crime. Hilton will cut taxes, slash electricity bills and end the failed "Housing First" approach to homelessness. The state needs a proven outsider, not another career politician doubling down on what broke California, and Hilton will make California great again.

Democratic narrative

Becerra has spent his career fighting for working Californians and has the experience and record to move the state forward. Handing the governor's mansion to a Trump-backed candidate would put California's progress at serious risk. Becerra is the clear choice to keep California on the right track and push back against federal overreach, especially from the president.


Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



Go Deeper

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.7.2

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.7.2