[REVISION HISTORY]

California 2026 gubernatorial runoff: Becerra vs. Hilton

19 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-24 12:54 UTC → 2026-10-29 14:06 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The California gubernatorial runoff between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton has ~~intensified following a CNN debate.~~ intensified. While ~~polling has fluctuated,~~ Becerra has maintained a ~~lead, though the margin~~ lead in various polls, Hilton has ~~shifted.~~ shown signs of closing the gap. A David Wolfson survey in early October showed Becerra with a 5.6 percentage point lead, while a later Inside California Politics/Emerson College poll indicated a 27-point lead (60% to 33%). Most recently, a recent California Post poll shows Becerra leading by 16 points (55% to ~~39.3%). Becerra has focused on housing stability, universal healthcare, and~~ 39.3%), a ~~‘Power Hour’ project~~ notable improvement for ~~low-income electricity. He has criticized~~ Hilton compared to the RealClearPolitics average of 23.2%. Campaign tensions have risen following Hilton’s ~~economic proposals as “Trump tax cuts”~~ accusation that ~~would benefit the wealthy~~ Becerra declined a scheduled debate with Univision due to a “scheduling conflict.” Hilton has also targeted state accountability, alleging that $24 billion intended for homelessness efforts cannot be fully accounted for and ~~drain public funding.~~ noting that Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bipartisan audit bill regarding these funds. On policy, Hilton has centered his campaign on ~~reducing living costs through ‘Operation Zero Waste.’ His platform includes eliminating state income taxes on~~ the ~~first $150,000 of earnings, reducing gasoline prices,~~ drug and ~~cutting utility bills.~~ homelessness crises. He has ~~also proposed reducing the number of bureaucrats by 10% and reforming Medi-Cal~~ pledged to combat fraud. Hilton’s campaign recently faced internal GOP backlash over a provocative digital advertisement, ‘Just Try It, California,’ which featured two women in a suggestive setting. While Hilton intended clear all homeless encampments by December 31, 2027, setting public deadlines for local leaders. He continues to ~~reach liberal voters, some Republican figures, including Sonja Shaw, criticized the ad as ‘creepy, weird, disturbing garbage.’ The candidates remain divided on key issues: Hilton advocates~~ advocate for reducing environmental regulations to improve water storage and ~~infrastructure, while Becerra~~ transport infrastructure to combat droughts and flooding. Becerra, focusing on housing stability and universal healthcare, has yet to release detailed water management proposals. ~~Both candidates expressed opposition~~ Hilton’s platform also includes ‘Operation Zero Waste,’ eliminating state income taxes on the first $150,000 of earnings, and reducing utility and gasoline costs. Becerra has countered by labeling Hilton’s economic plans as “Trump tax cuts” designed to ~~Proposition 40, a proposed ‘Billionaire’s Tax.’~~ benefit the wealthy.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.