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NewsLos Angeles Times – CaliforniaOctober 24, 2026Los Angeles County

California Republicans face uphill battle in 2026 gubernatorial and statewide elections

Photo: Los Angeles Times – California

California Republican candidates and voters face significant political headwinds ahead of the November 3 election, with Democrats holding a nearly 2-to-1 registration advantage statewide. Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is campaigning against Democratic politician Xavier Becerra to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, while local Republicans also navigate competitive local races and party strategy amid voter frustration over high living costs.

ElectionsState GovernmentPolitical CampaignsEconomyHousing
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Why It Matters

The outcome of the November 3 statewide elections will determine leadership for California's executive branch and policy direction on key economic and social issues affecting millions of residents.

Key Facts

  • Republican candidate Steve Hilton is running against Democrat Xavier Becerra in the November 3 election to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
  • Democrats outnumber Republican voters nearly 2-to-1 in California, and Republicans have not won a state-level election in the state in twenty years.
  • Polling by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies shows Steve Hilton more than 20 percentage points behind.
  • President Trump's approval rating recently fell to a record low of 27% in California according to a Berkeley IGS poll.
  • Federal authorities charged 28 people in California this week with illegally registering and casting ballots.
  • The Los Angeles mayoral race features a runoff between incumbent Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman.
  • The state insurance commissioner race is a contest between two Democrats: Jane Kim and state Sen. Ben Allen.
  • Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is endorsed by President Trump.

Who's Mentioned

PersonDonald Trump“U.S. President”locationMission Viejo“City in Orange County”PersonBen Allen“State Senator running for insurance commissioner”PersonJoe Biden“Former U.S. President”PersonRob Stutzman“Republican strategist”PersonKaren Bass“Incumbent Mayor of Los Angeles”locationSan Francisco“California city”locationPacific Palisades“Neighborhood in Los Angeles”PersonSpencer Pratt“Conservative candidate in the L.A. mayor primary”PersonRachel Darvish“Pacific Palisades resident and campaign supporter”OrganizationBerkeley Institute of Governmental Studies“Polling organization”locationBeverly Hills“City represented by Ben Allen”locationOrange County“California county where Hilton held campaign events”PersonGavin Newsom“Term-limited Governor of California”PersonJane Kim“Former San Francisco supervisor running for insurance commissioner”PersonNithya Raman“Los Angeles City Councilmember”PersonXavier Becerra“Democratic politician and gubernatorial candidate”PersonSummer Behan“Modesto town hall attendee and former Democrat”locationEl Segundo“City represented by Ben Allen”PersonSteve Hilton“Gubarnatorial candidate and former Fox News host”PersonAnnette Owens“Orange County resident and teacher supporting Steve Hilton”locationManhattan Beach“City represented by Ben Allen”locationModesto“California city where Hilton held a town hall”OrganizationDemocratic Socialists of America“Political organization”OrganizationPublic Policy Institute of California“Polling organization”PersonRoxanne Hoge“Chair of the Los Angeles Republican Party”PersonJon Fleischman“Conservative writer and former executive director of the California GOP”