(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — Early returns in California’s 2026 governor’s race show a tightly contested three-way battle, with votes still being counted across the state and large numbers of mail ballots remaining outstanding.
(Image Credit: OpGov.news.)
Republican candidate Steve Hilton is placing at the top of the governor's race alongside former U.S. Health and Human Services Democrat Secretary Xavier Becerra. Hilton, campaigning on an affordability-focused platform, continued to emphasize economic concerns as results came in. In his remarks, he said:
“We are gonna make California a place where when you work hard, it’s not just a struggle… The best way to put money in people’s pockets is to take less out of it in the first place.”
He also argued for lowering energy and business costs:
“Working people in California paying the highest gas prices in the country… We can have a sensible energy policy, cut your electric bills… We are gonna make California golden again.”
Becerra frames “California Dream” message in election night remarks
In his election night address, Becerra emphasized his personal background and campaign themes, noting he was born and raised in Sacramento and highlighting his family’s ties to public education and the region.
“The California dream is alive tonight,” he told supporters, crediting working families, educators, healthcare workers, and volunteers for fueling his campaign.
(Image Credit: OpGov.news.)
Becerra framed his candidacy around his parents’ immigrant story and his own rise in public service, describing his campaign as powered by grassroots support rather than wealthy donors.
He also outlined a policy agenda focused on expanding housing production, increasing healthcare access, investing in education and childcare, and addressing homelessness and public safety concerns. He said California must “build a government that works on time and under budget” while protecting voting rights and reproductive freedoms.
Becerra also criticized national political dynamics, including President Donald Trump, arguing that California must resist “division and disinformation,” and saying he would not “back down” in defending the state’s priorities.
In Sacramento’s congressional landscape, longtime Democratic incumbent Doris Matsui is facing a serious primary challenge from Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang in California’s 7th Congressional District, a deep-blue seat that has drawn heightened attention this election cycle. Early returns indicate a competitive race, with both candidates advancing strong regional support as additional ballots are processed and no result yet called.
Political observers note the contest has emerged as a generational and ideological intraparty challenge, with Matsui emphasizing experience and seniority in Congress while Vang has centered her campaign on calls for new leadership and working-class-focused policy priorities. The race remains uncalled as mail ballots continue to be counted statewide.
In a separate Sacramento-area congressional district, former Republican incumbent Kevin Kiley who is running as an Independent for District 6, is showing an early advantage in preliminary returns just ahead of Democrat Dr. Richard Pan. However, election officials caution that the district remains in flux, with a large volume of outstanding mail ballots expected to narrow or shift margins as counting continues.
Officials emphasize that Sacramento-area races often remain unsettled for days after Election Day due to California’s high share of vote-by-mail ballots and extended counting timelines.
Story image credit: Tom Schonmann, pexels.com.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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