As the 2026 midterms approach, Californians will vote to decide who the next governor will be in what has already been a contentious race. Here is what to know.

California uses a top-two primary system. This means that all candidates are listed on the same ballot and only the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of their party affiliations. This makes it possible for two candidates from the same political party to win.

This system has historically favored the Democratic Party in California, but since the 2024 presidential election loss, the party has fractured and has seen much infighting. This rift has led many voters to favor more left-leaning politicians. However, the Democratic Party establishment is resistant to change and is unwilling to shift; instead, they continue to rely on “The lesser of two evils strategy.” As a result, liberal moderates and progressive candidates might lock each other out of the general election.

Republicans in the state have two top contenders who currently poll higher than any of their democratic contemporaries. California has not had a Republican Governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s win in 2006. If they are victorious, the elected candidate would become the 19th Republican governor in California history. President Donald Trump officially endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who was trailing behind Chad Bianco, a sheriff for Riverside. This stratagem is a calculated play by the Republican Party that hopes Trump’s endorsement will balance out Hilton and Bianco’s odds of securing both nominations.

Election day will be held on June 2, and ballots will begin going out to Californians by May 4. Once the two nominees have been selected, they will face off in the general election on Nov. 3.