Becerra, Hilton Lead California Governor's Race in 2026 Election

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton led in California's 2026 governor's race, according to results from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder on election night.

Becerra, who previously served as California attorney general and U.S. representative, sought to succeed the current governor. Hilton, a former Fox News host and Republican strategist, ran as the GOP challenger.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder reported partial returns through its LAVote.gov website on election night. The county, home to nearly 10 million residents, represents California's largest voting jurisdiction by population.

Other candidates appeared on ballots statewide, including reality television personality Spencer Pratt, though details on results for other contenders remained unavailable in initial reports.

Final vote tallies depend on continued counting in Los Angeles County and other California counties. Mail-in ballots received by election day receive counting alongside in-person votes cast at polling locations.