Your last minute voter guide to the 2026 California governor's race

Eight candidates are competing to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in California's 2026 gubernatorial race, with housing affordability emerging as a central campaign issue.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who leads among Democratic candidates according to recent polling, Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator endorsed by President Trump, and billionaire environmental advocate Tom Steyer.

Becerra has centered his campaign on affordability and housing solutions for what he terms "working Californians," signaling that housing policy will likely remain a priority under his potential administration.

The emphasis on housing issues reflects California's ongoing crisis where median home prices have priced out many middle-income families, while developers face complex regulatory environments and lengthy approval processes.

The race also features Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congresswoman Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and state education official Tony Thurmond.

California's top-two primary system means the two highest vote-getters regardless of party will advance to the November general election.

The June 2 primary will determine which candidates' housing policies and development strategies will shape the state's approach to its affordability crisis, potentially affecting everything from zoning reform to infrastructure investment that impacts property development across the state.