Two GOP Candidates Lead California Governor's Race

Amid political and cultural turmoil, the California governor's race is shaping up to be an unexpected showdown.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:10pm

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In a surprising turn of events, two Republican candidates, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Fox News personality Steve Hilton, are leading the field in the California governor's race. This comes as a shock in a state that is traditionally seen as a Democratic stronghold, with the top Democratic contenders, Congressman Eric Swalwell and former Congresswoman Katie Porter, trailing behind. The race has been described as an "absolute s**t show" by progressive blog MeidasTouch editor Ron Filipowski, with eight major candidates splitting the Democratic vote.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a crucial political battleground, and the potential victory of two Republican candidates would have significant implications for the state's political landscape. This development challenges the long-held perception of California as a reliably blue state and could have ripple effects on national politics.

The details

The current frontrunners, Sheriff Chad Bianco and Fox News personality Steve Hilton, are leading the field for the non-partisan June 2 "Jungle Primary," where the top two finishers, regardless of party, move on to the November election. The top Democrats in the race, Congressman Eric Swalwell and former Congresswoman Katie Porter, are trailing the two GOP contenders, with 13% of support each. Billionaire Tom Steyer is close behind at 10%. The state party chair, Rusty Hicks, has asked the lesser candidates to step aside, but they have refused to do so, leaving an opening for Bianco and Hilton to claim the top two spots on the November ballot.

  • The non-partisan June 2 "Jungle Primary" will determine the top two finishers who will advance to the November election.
  • Governor Newsom is expected to announce his campaign for president after this year's midterm elections.

The players

Chad Bianco

Riverside County Sheriff and Republican candidate for California governor.

Steve Hilton

Fox News personality and Republican candidate for California governor.

Eric Swalwell

Congressman and Democratic candidate for California governor.

Katie Porter

Former Congresswoman and Democratic candidate for California governor.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire and Democratic candidate for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“California is a mess. The roads and bridges, the homelessness, the public schools (now ranked No. 38 in the nation), the exorbitant price of gas, the outsourcing of Hollywood, the flight of talent and capital, and of course, the state's feudal real-estate market, where one in five property transfers occur via inheritance, an unprecedented number.”

— Peter Savodnik, Writer, The Free Press

“There's only the California Dream, attainable and aspirational. Around the world, it's a beacon light. Mark my words, California—we are the light at the end of the tunnel.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

The June 2 non-partisan "Jungle Primary" will determine the top two finishers who will advance to the November election, where a Republican is expected to win the governorship.

The takeaway

The unexpected rise of two Republican candidates in the California governor's race challenges the long-held perception of the state as a Democratic stronghold, highlighting the growing political and cultural divisions within the state. This development could have significant implications for the future of California politics and the national political landscape.