# California 2026 gubernatorial runoff: Becerra vs. Hilton

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/key-events-shaping-californias-2026-primary-election-landscape
> Updated: 2026-09-10T19:23:37.000Z. Sources: 185. Developments: 69.

The California gubernatorial runoff between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton has intensified, with candidates shifting focus toward energy, taxation, and government reform. 

Hilton has expanded his platform to include an anti-corruption agenda targeting the influence of special-interest money. He specifically highlighted approximately $26 million in contributions from labor unions and corporations like Airbnb, Uber, and Meta to support Becerra. Additionally, Hilton proposed an “Operation Zero Waste” initiative to abolish the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), suggesting it be replaced by online services and private providers while slashing annual vehicle registration fees to a flat $73. Critics have noted this could create a significant budget gap given the DMV’s $15.5 billion in annual revenue.

On energy and regulation, Hilton has vowed to eliminate the California Energy Commission to combat rules that could increase tire prices. He has also used a “Dinner with Steve” series to critique proposed billionaire taxes and tire energy-efficiency standards. 

Becerra, maintaining a lead in recent polling, has adopted a more cautious policy approach. He has pledged to participate in multiple debates before the November election and has proposed providing free electricity to low-income households and increasing housing availability through streamlined permitting. While Hilton characterizes Becerra as avoiding scrutiny, Becerra maintains his focus is on providing voters with a “steady hand for state government.”

## Claims

- June 2024 vote count in California was painfully slow, leading to unfounded claims of election irregularities. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The California Voter Foundation issued a report recommending ten voting reforms. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report recommends shortening the ballot‑signature‑curing timeline from 22 days to 14 days. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report recommends expanding voter access to electronic ballot signature curing and publishing comprehensive curing data. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report recommends allowing most close races to be called by the Friday after Election Day. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report recommends that counties prioritize counting ballots in extremely close contests. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report recommends providing additional funding to local election offices to speed up ballot processing. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The report recommends improving public reporting of unofficial results with clearer terminology and real‑time updates. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Xavier Becerra leads Steve Hilton by eight percentage points in a new statewide poll. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 9.8% of likely November voters remain undecided. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Xavier Becerra has fallen below 50% support for the first time in general-election polling. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Steve Hilton criticized Becerra for refusing to commit to a series of debates. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Steve Hilton unveils anti-corruption and DMV reform plans

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has proposed an anti-corruption plan targeting campaign spending and a plan to abolish the DMV in favor of private providers and lower registration fees.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-unveils-anti-corruption-and-dmv-reform-plans

### 2026-08-25: Steve Hilton outlines California gubernatorial campaign priorities

Republican California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is campaigning on plans to lower gas prices, reduce utility bills, abolish LLC taxes, and redirect high-speed rail funding to other infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-outlines-california-gubernatorial-campaign-priorities

### 2026-08-22: Xavier Becerra’s lead over Steve Hilton narrows in California poll

A new California poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra’s gubernatorial lead over Republican Steve Hilton shrinking to eight points, with Becerra falling below 50% support for the first time.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerras-lead-over-steve-hilton-narrows-in-california-poll

### 2026-08-21: Xavier Becerra adopts cautious platform in California governor race

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is pursuing a cautious campaign strategy, avoiding specific promises to prevent over-committing, a lesson he learned from his past vote on NAFTA.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-adopts-cautious-platform-in-california-governor-race

### 2026-08-19: California gubernatorial candidates clash over energy and tax policies

California gubernatorial candidates Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are clashing over energy regulations, taxes, and campaign visibility as the November election approaches.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-gubernatorial-candidates-clash-over-billionaire-tax-and-debates

### 2026-08-13: Xavier Becerra leads Steve Hilton in California governor race

Democrat Xavier Becerra leads Republican Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial race with 55% to 37% support, according to a new UC Berkeley/Los Angeles Times poll.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-leads-steve-hilton-in-california-governor-race

### 2026-08-07: Xavier Becerra Accused by Steve Hilton of 319,000 Missing Migrant Children in California Race

Steve Hilton accuses Xavier Becerra of 319,000 missing migrant children during his HHS tenure; Becerra’s campaign denies the claim as the California governor race heats up.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-accused-by-steve-hilton-of-319000-missing-migrant-children-in-california-race

### 2026-08-04: Xavier Becerra Confronts Migrant Child Abuse Claims in California Race

Xavier Becerra, California governor candidate, faces migrant child abuse allegations and avoids press questions, while opponent Steve Hilton makes the issue a campaign focus.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-confronts-migrant-child-abuse-claims-in-california-race

### 2026-08-01: Steve Hilton Leads Xavier Becerra in Orange County Gubernatorial Poll

UC Irvine poll (June 9‑12) finds Steve Hilton at 47% versus Xavier Becerra’s 44% in Orange County, with strong GOP support and modest independent backing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-leads-xavier-becerra-in-orange-county-gubernatorial-poll

### 2026-07-27: California Voter Foundation proposes reforms to speed up vote tabulation

The California Voter Foundation recommends ten reforms, including a shorter signature‑curing window and more funding, to speed up ballot counting after June's slow vote tabulation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-voter-foundation-proposes-reforms-to-speed-up-vote-tabulation

### 2026-07-23: California primary sees record rejection of mail ballots

California rejected 148,241 mail ballots (1.73% of total) in its June primary, a rise from prior years, driven mainly by late postmarks amid USPS changes.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-rejects-nearly-150000-mailin-ballots-in-june-primary

### 2026-07-15: Xavier Becerra Leads California Governor Race as Poll Shows Strong Support for Proposition 45

PPIC poll gives Xavier Becerra a 61% lead over Steve Hilton in California's governor race, shows 73% support for Proposition 45, and major opposition to AI data centers.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/becerra-hilton-address-latino-leaders-at-california-governor-race-forum

### 2026-07-14: U.S. Justice Department Joins Judicial Watch Lawsuit to Purge California Voter Rolls

The Justice Department filed a motion to join Judicial Watch’s lawsuit seeking to remove about 873,000 inactive registrations from California’s voter rolls, citing violations of federal voting‑list laws.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-justice-department-joins-judicial-watch-lawsuit-to-purge-california-voter-rolls

### 2026-07-06: Steve Hilton's bid for California governorship sparks debate over immigrant health coverage

Steve Hilton, a British‑born Republican, challenges Democrat Xavier Becerra in the California governor race, centering the debate on cutting $10 billion in state health coverage for undocumented immigrants.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hiltons-bid-for-california-governorship-sparks-debate-over-immigrant-health-coverage

### 2026-07-04: California Mail-In Voting Fails to Raise Primary Turnout and Slows Count

California’s June primary saw 40.8% turnout, modestly higher but still below historic levels, while expanded mail‑in voting slowed counts and sparked political criticism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-mail-in-voting-fails-to-raise-primary-turnout-and-slows-count

### 2026-06-30: California election investigations and noncitizen voting measure withdrawn

Federal probes into California mail‑ballot practices follow late‑count swings in the June 2026 primary, while Los Angeles city council voted to pull a non‑citizen voting measure from the November ballot.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-election-investigations-and-noncitizen-voting-measure-withdrawn

### 2026-06-28: US Mail-in Voting in California and Nevada Faces Fraud Allegations and Operational Scrutiny

California and Nevada’s 2026 elections rely on universal mail‑in voting; officials refute fraud claims and highlight operational checks, while Nevada prepares for a record‑high mail ballot volume and a modest 3

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-mail-in-voting-in-california-and-nevada-faces-fraud-allegations-and-operational-scrutiny

### 2026-06-27: Steve Hilton Takes On Trump Claims and Accuses Xavier Becerra of Migrant Child ‘Assembly Line’ in California Race

Steve Hilton challenged Donald Trump’s voter‑fraud claims on CNN and released a purported audio of opponent Xavier Becerra calling migrant child placement an “assembly line,” sparking controversy in the CA race

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-takes-on-trump-claims-and-accuses-xavier-becerra-of-migrant-child-assembly-line-in-cali

### 2026-06-26: California Counties Certify June 2026 Primary Election Results

Los Angeles and Riverside counties certified the June 2, 2026 primary results, reporting turnouts of 37.8% and 38.3% and confirming congressional races and local measures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-counties-certify-june-2026-primary-election-results

### 2026-06-25: California primary vote-counting delays fuel fraud accusations

California’s June 2026 primary vote‑counting delays sparked fraud allegations, a federal probe, and a watchdog report urging election‑process reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-vote-counting-delays-fuel-fraud-accusations

### 2026-06-23: California Governor Primary Draws Crowded Field as Statewide Elections Heat Up

California's June 2 governor primary features eight leading candidates amid high spending and candidate exits, while Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass confronts fraud claims and a new defamation suit over the 2025 P

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-governor-race-under-election-fraud-investigation

### 2026-06-22: Xavier Becerra poised to become California’s first Latino governor since 1875

Xavier Becerra, son of Mexican immigrants and former U.S. Health Secretary, won the Democratic primary and could become California’s first Latino governor since 1875, facing Republican Steve Hilton in the 2026

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-poised-to-become-californias-first-latino-governor-since-1875

### 2026-06-16: California Accused of De‑criminalizing Voter Fraud by Rolling Back Safeguards

A top federal prosecutor says California has effectively de‑criminalized voter fraud by stripping election safeguards, prompting DOJ to seek voter‑roll access as the state resists citing privacy laws.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-accused-of-decriminalizing-voter-fraud-by-rolling-back-safeguards

### 2026-06-14: California Gubernatorial Primary Shows Becerra Leading Hilton

California's governor primary ends with Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton moving to the general election; Becerra leads polls 52%‑31%, while fringe candidate Barack D. Obama Shaw jokes about a

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-gubernatorial-primary-shows-becerra-leading-hilton

### 2026-06-13: California primary vote-count delays spark renewed election fraud allegations

Delayed vote counts in California’s June primary led to shifting leads and revived fraud claims; officials say no evidence of widespread fraud, while federal and state prosecutors launch limited investigations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-vote-count-delays-spark-renewed-election-fraud-allegations

### 2026-06-12: Xavier Becerra secures California Chamber endorsement as primary race heats up

Xavier Becerra wins the California Chamber’s first Democratic endorsement ahead of a primary against Steve Hilton, with corporate donors contributing over $50 million and differing stances on state climate‑em‑

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-secures-california-chamber-endorsement-as-primary-race-heats-up

### 2026-06-11: California Vote-Counting Delays Spark Republican Accusations and Calls for Election Reform

California’s extended mail‑in ballot count sparked Republican claims of fraud while Democrats call for more funding and resources to speed up processing without compromising accuracy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-vote-counting-delays-spark-republican-accusations-and-calls-for-election-reform

### 2026-06-10: California primary election results put Becerra and Hilton ahead in governor's race

California primary results show Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton leading the governor's race, Jane Kim ahead for Insurance Commissioner, and local leads confirmed in San Luis Obispo and Madera County.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-election-results-put-becerra-and-hilton-ahead-in-governors-race

### 2026-06-10: California Gubernatorial Primary Ballot Count Extends into June

California’s June primary ballot count continues in San Diego and Fresno, with high turnout and a reduced 13‑day canvass window; Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton have advanced to the November

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-ballot-counting-continues-in-san-diego-and-fresno-counties

### 2026-06-10: Steve Hilton advances to California governor race against Xavier Becerra

Republican Steve Hilton, former Fox News host, secured second place in California’s top‑two primary and will face Democrat Xavier Becerra, former U.S. health secretary, in the November governor’s race.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-fox-news-host-steve-hilton-faces-democrat-xavier-becerra-in-california-governor-primary

### 2026-06-10: California primary election fraud claims debunked as vote‑count trends explain results

Republicans' fraud claims after California's June 2 primary are explained by late‑counted mail ballots favoring Democrats, matching polls and showing no evidence of wrongdoing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-election-fraud-claims-debunked-as-votecount-trends-explain-results

### 2026-06-09: California election process criticised as vulnerable to fraud

Opinion pieces claim California's mail‑in ballot system, lack of ID and ballot‑harvesting rules create opportunities for election fraud and delayed vote counts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-election-process-criticised-as-vulnerable-to-fraud

### 2026-06-09: Steve Hilton advances to California governor runoff against Xavier Becerra

Republican Steve Hilton, backed by Donald Trump, secured a spot in the November California governor’s race alongside Democrat Xavier Becerra after the June 2 top‑two primary, while billionaire Tom Steyer was ou

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-secures-spot-in-california-governors-general-election-against-xavier-becerra

### 2026-06-08: Rep. Randy Fine alleges Californians dumpster‑diving for ballots

Rep. Randy Fine (R‑FL) claimed Californians were dumpster‑diving for ballots after the LA mayoral primary, a claim widely debunked and mocked online.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-randy-fine-alleges-californians-dumpsterdiving-for-ballots

### 2026-06-07: California mail‑in ballot controversy sparks claims of fraud

California’s mail‑in ballot system, lacking ID checks and allowing postmarked ballots to be counted weeks later, faces fraud accusations from experts and criticism by GOP candidate Steve Hilton, who urges stric

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-mailin-ballot-controversy-sparks-claims-of-fraud

### 2026-06-07: Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton clash in California governor race

Steve Hilton’s ad attacks Xavier Becerra’s 36‑year political career as both prepare for a November face‑off in California’s governor race, amid budget deficits and key state issues.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-and-steve-hilton-clash-in-california-governor-race

### 2026-06-07: California election system criticised for slow mail‑in vote counting

California’s mail‑in voting system faces criticism for lengthy vote counts, lack of voter ID and delayed results, prompting calls for reform and federal review.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-election-system-criticised-for-slow-mailin-vote-counting

### 2026-06-07: California's vote‑by‑mail system draws criticism over delays and fraud risks

California’s mail‑in voting system faces criticism for lengthy counts and alleged fraud, leading to an FBI‑involved investigation into its procedural weaknesses.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/californias-votebymail-system-draws-criticism-over-delays-and-fraud-risks

### 2026-06-07: Steve Hilton mounts strong challenge in California governor race

Republican Steve Hilton criticizes Democratic rule in California, pledges tax cuts and housing reforms, and says early results show he may earn a runoff spot against Xavier Becerra.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-mounts-strong-challenge-in-california-governor-race

### 2026-06-06: Biden‑linked candidates secure nominations in California, New Mexico and Georgia gubernatorial races

Deb Haaland (NM), Xavier Becerra (CA) and Keisha Lance Bottoms (GA) have won Democratic gubernatorial nominations, with their Biden ties downplayed and targeted by Republicans.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bidenlinked-candidates-secure-nominations-in-california-new-mexico-and-georgia-gubernatorial-races

### 2026-06-05: California vote count delays spark calls for faster ballot processing

California's gubernatorial and LA mayoral races remain uncalled three days after the election due to slow mail‑in ballot verification, prompting experts to call for faster counting rules.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-vote-count-delays-spark-calls-for-faster-ballot-processing

### 2026-06-05: California election officials face fraud accusations after sheriff alleges illegal voting

California sheriff claims foreign voters tampered with elections; federal prosecutors launch investigations into mail‑in ballot fraud and call for voter‑ID reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-election-officials-face-fraud-accusations-after-sheriff-alleges-illegal-voting

### 2026-06-05: Xavier Becerra Secures Spot in California Governor General Election

Xavier Becerra, former U.S. health secretary, advances to the November California governor race, leading the primary over Republican Steve Hilton; he would be the state's first Latino governor.

42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-secures-spot-in-california-governors-general-election

### 2026-06-05: California Vote-Counting Delays Spur Criticism and Voter ID Push

Fox News host and opinion writers criticize California’s lengthy vote‑counting, calling it “sketchy,” and urge a voter‑ID initiative to speed up and secure future elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-vote-counting-delays-spur-criticism-and-voter-id-push

### 2026-06-04: California ballot count delay fuels election fraud accusations

California’s ballot count lags, leaving millions uncounted and key primary races undecided, sparking GOP fraud claims and defensive statements from officials.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-ballot-count-delay-fuels-election-fraud-accusations

### 2026-06-04: Xavier Becerra Secures Spot in California Governor Primary Runoff

Xavier Becerra has moved into the California governor runoff, facing either Republican Steve Hilton or Democrat Tom Steyer after a delayed mail‑ballot count.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-secures-spot-in-california-governor-primary-runoff

### 2026-06-04: California primary vote count remains incomplete weeks after June 2 election

California’s June 2 primary vote count is delayed, with only two‑thirds of ballots tallied; officials cite mail‑in volume and county‑by‑county processing, while political leaders trade criticisms ahead of the g

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-vote-count-remains-incomplete-weeks-after-june-2-election

### 2026-06-04: Incumbents Lead in California City Council Primaries in Stockton and Los Angeles

Incumbents are ahead in California city council primaries: Stockton leaders lead but may face runoffs, while Los Angeles incumbents comfortably exceed 50% in most districts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/incumbents-lead-in-california-city-council-primaries-in-stockton-and-los-angeles

### 2026-06-04: Los Angeles mayoral race delayed by mail‑in ballot count

Los Angeles mayoral results are delayed as the state counts a majority of mail‑in ballots, with late tallies shifting the race and sparking rigging accusations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayoral-race-delayed-by-mailin-ballot-count

### 2026-06-04: Tom Steyer trails in California governor primary as vote count tightens

Tom Steyer trails with ~20% in the California governor primary, 288k behind Xavier Becerra, as late ballots could still shift the result.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tom-steyer-trails-in-california-governor-primary-as-vote-count-tightens

### 2026-06-03: California Governor Primary Shows Becerra Leading, Steyer's $250M Spend Falters

California's top‑two primary advances Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton, while self‑funded billionaire Tom Steyer's $250 M spend fails to secure a spot.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-governor-primary-shows-becerra-leading-steyers-250m-spend-falters

### 2026-06-03: Los Angeles County prepares for June 2 primary with millions of mail ballots and extensive counting process

Los Angeles County is handling 9 million primary mail ballots with 645 vote centers, 424 drop boxes, dog‑sniff security, and high‑speed scanning; 1.4 million processed, 713 000 remain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-county-prepares-for-june-2-primary-with-millions-of-mail-ballots-and-extensive-counting-

### 2026-06-03: California Primary Vote Counting Delays Spark Broad Criticism

California's primary vote count is delayed for weeks due to mail‑in ballots and strict verification, prompting criticism from analysts, Republicans, and Democratic officials, while new laws limit observer roles

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-vote-counting-delays-spark-broad-criticism

### 2026-06-03: California vote count delays persist after 2024 election

California’s 2024 election saw over 16 million mail ballots, causing week‑long counts; officials cite verification delays, while reform proposals target funding, signature‑cure tech, and earlier ballot returns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-vote-count-delays-persist-after-2024-election

### 2026-06-03: California Governor Primary Tightens Between Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton

California’s governor primary is extremely close, with Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton neck‑and‑neck as mail‑in ballots keep being counted, delaying a final result until early July.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-clara-county-primary-results-give-leads-to-becerra-steyer-and-local-incumbents

### 2026-06-03: California Primary Vote Count Delayed, Governor and LA Mayor Races Remain Unresolved

California’s primary leaves the governor’s race led by Steve Hilton and the LA mayoral race led by Karen Bass unresolved as a slow mail‑in ballot count may take weeks; a lawsuit claims 870,000 dead or moved‑out

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-votecount-delays-spark-criticism-over-ballotharvesting-rules

### 2026-06-02: Xavier Becerra Takes Lead in California Governor Primary

Former health secretary Xavier Becerra jumped to a 79% chance of winning the California governor primary, overtaking Tom Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton as betting markets reflect his surge.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-takes-lead-in-california-governor-primary

### 2026-06-02: Steve Hilton leads California governor primary ahead of Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer

In California's June governor primary, Trump‑backed ex‑Fox host Steve Hilton leads with 28% ahead of former Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer; the race also features a tight Los Á

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/steve-hilton-leads-california-governor-primary-ahead-of-xavier-becerra-and-tom-steyer

### 2026-05-28: California governor race draws record $79 million in outside spending

Record $79 million in outside spending fuels California’s governor race, with $32 million against Tom Steyer, $13 million favoring Xavier Becerra, and tech money backing Matt Mahan; polls show Becerra and Steve

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-governor-race-draws-record-79-million-in-outside-spending

### 2026-05-26: Tom Steyer's $200 Million California Gubernatorial Bid Draws Utility Ads and Influencer Probe

Tom Steyer has poured $200 million into his California governor race, prompting $13.5 million of utility‑funded ads against him and a state probe into his paid‑influencer campaign spending.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tom-steyers-200-million-california-gubernatorial-bid-draws-utility-ads-and-influencer-probe

### 2026-05-25: Xavier Becerra attacks Tom Steyer over PG&E ties in California governor race

California gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra blames rival Tom Steyer for hypocrisy over PG&E ties, citing the utility’s $10 million PAC against him as the race tightens ahead of the June 2 primary.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xavier-becerra-attacks-tom-steyer-over-pge-ties-in-california-governor-race

### 2026-05-22: Tom Steyer’s influencer payments spark California campaign investigation

California regulators are probing Tom Steyer’s use of paid influencers—over $123,000 to eight creators and $100,000 to a Latino mega‑influencer—amid allegations of undisclosed campaign content.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tom-steyers-influencer-payments-spark-california-campaign-investigation

### 2026-05-18: California Governor Primary Tightens as Steyer and Becerra Clash Over Policy and Influencer Payments

Steyer and Becerra vie for California governor, sparring on tax, AI regulation and undisclosed influencer payments.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tom-steyer-campaigns-for-california-governor-pledging-billionaire-tax-and-ai-oversight

### 2026-05-15: California primary election: registration deadline May 18 and ballot drop‑box locations

California primary on June 2; register by May 18, mail‑in ballots for all, and drop‑box sites listed for Santa Clarita.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-election-registration-deadline-may-18-and-ballot-dropbox-locations

### 2026-05-07: California County Supervisor Races Heat Up Ahead of June 2 Primary

Incumbents Elisa Marquez (Alameda) and Sylvia Arenas (Santa Clara) face challengers in June 2 California county supervisor primaries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-county-supervisor-races-heat-up-ahead-of-june-2-primary

### 2026-05-05: California begins mail‑in ballot service for June 2 primary

California initiates free mail‑in ballot delivery and 24‑hour drop boxes for the June 2 primary.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-begins-mailin-ballot-service-for-june-2-primary

### 2026-05-05: California Governor Candidate Tom Steyer Scrutinized Over Coal-Backed Hedge Fund Ties

California gov candidate Tom Steyer faces scrutiny for past ties to coal‑financing hedge fund Farallon, despite claims of divestment.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-governor-candidate-tom-steyer-scrutinized-over-coal-backed-hedge-fund-ties

### 2026-05-03: California primary mail‑in ballots dispatched as candidates rally in Bay Area

Mail‑in ballots are sent to Californians ahead of the June primary as candidates rally in the Bay Area.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-primary-mailin-ballots-dispatched-as-candidates-rally-in-bay-area

### 2026-04-28: Voter guides mailed to California voters ahead of primary

California voters in Santa Barbara and Santa Clara counties receive mailed voter guides and sample ballots ahead of upcoming elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/voter-guides-mailed-to-california-voters-ahead-of-primary

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Cite as: California 2026 gubernatorial runoff: Becerra vs. Hilton. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/key-events-shaping-californias-2026-primary-election-landscape