California’s Governor Race: The Final Call Before June 2nd

The June 2nd primary is here. Mail ballots are in hand. Early voting is underway. And in the last 72 hours, this race has shifted dramatically.

Here is everything you need to know before you vote.

The Race Has Turned Upside Down

Just weeks ago Steve Hilton was leading the polls. Today he is not even in first place.

The latest Emerson College/Inside California Politics poll conducted May 9-10 — the most current data available — shows a race that looks dramatically different from even two weeks ago:

• Xavier Becerra (D) — 19% 🔼 NEW FRONTRUNNER
• Steve Hilton (R) — 17%
• Tom Steyer (D) — 17%
• Chad Bianco (R) — 10.7%
• Katie Porter (D) — 10%
• Matt Mahan (D) — 8%
• Tony Thurmond (D) — 1%
• Undecided — 12%

The most striking number: undecided voters have dropped from 23% to just 12% in a matter of weeks. Californians are making up their minds — and they are breaking toward Becerra.

What This Means

The top-two primary system means only the two highest vote-getters advance to November — regardless of party.

Right now, the math looks like this:

• Becerra and Hilton are most likely to advance if current trends hold
• Steyer is within striking distance of either position
• Republicans are largely consolidated behind two candidates, while the Democratic vote remains split across multiple candidates.

With 12% still undecided and a margin of error of 3%, the final outcome remains genuinely uncertain. Any combination of two candidates — two Democrats, two Republicans, or one of each — remains mathematically possible.

What is certain is this: every vote counts. In a race this close and this fragmented, the difference between who advances and who does not could come down to a handful of votes in your neighborhood.

A Final Honest Look at the Top Candidates

Xavier Becerra (D) — The Surging Frontrunner

Becerra has the most governing experience of any Democrat in the race — two decades in Congress, California Attorney General, Biden’s HHS Secretary. His surge reflects Democrats consolidating behind the most experienced candidate as the primary approaches.

What the record shows: Becerra’s former chief of staff was federally indicted for allegedly stealing campaign funds — Becerra says he knew nothing. He has also accepted donations from Chevron. Supporters argue his record of fighting corporations as AG speaks for itself. Critics say his policy plans lack specific funding mechanisms.

Steve Hilton (R) — Still Competitive

Hilton’s message — that Democratic one-party rule has failed California — resonates with a significant portion of voters across party lines. His tax proposals, including making the first $100,000 of income tax-free, have been popular enough that even Katie Porter said she “stole” the idea.

What the record shows: Hilton has never held elected office and became an American citizen just five years ago. Supporters argue fresh outsider perspectives are exactly what Sacramento needs. Critics argue governing the world’s fifth largest economy is not an entry level job.

Tom Steyer (D) — The Wild Card

Steyer’s $133 million self-funded campaign has kept him competitive. His platform — free education, single-payer healthcare, taking on corporate interests — appeals to progressive voters.

What the record shows: Steyer’s past investments in private prisons and fossil fuels contradict his progressive image. Supporters say people evolve and his current positions are what matter. Critics say his record raises legitimate questions about authenticity.

Katie Porter (D) — Fighting to Survive

Porter remains the only candidate refusing all corporate PAC money — a distinction that matters to voters who distrust special interest influence. Her consumer protection record in Congress is genuinely strong.

What the record shows: Porter has dropped from frontrunner to fourth place despite being the best known Democrat in the race. Supporters argue name recognition does not equal votes and her grassroots support is real. Critics question whether she can win statewide after losing the 2024 Senate race.

Chad Bianco (R) — Fading But Still Present

Bianco’s anti-establishment message still resonates with a core group of voters frustrated with both parties. His law enforcement background appeals to voters prioritizing public safety.

What the record shows: Bianco’s department has the worst crime-solving record among all 57 California sheriffs, and his ballot seizure investigation was halted by the California Supreme Court. Supporters argue he represents a needed shakeup of Sacramento’s status quo. Critics say his record as sheriff does not support his tough-on-crime claims.

The Question Every Voter Should Ask

Before marking your ballot ask yourself one question:

Which candidate — regardless of party — has the experience, the integrity and the independence to actually govern California through the challenges ahead?

Not who has the best talking points. Not who raises the most money. Not who attacks their opponents most effectively on a debate stage.

Who can actually do the job?

Our UnsilencedTruth Take

We have spent weeks covering this race from every angle — the candidates, the money, the records and the issues. Here is our genuinely honest final assessment:

This is a race without a perfect candidate.

On the Republican side, Hilton offers a compelling message but zero governing experience. Bianco offers authenticity but a record that contradicts his central campaign argument.

On the Democratic side, Becerra offers experience but carries baggage. Steyer offers resources but raises authenticity questions. Porter offers independence but has struggled to break through. Mahan offers energy but is funded by interests that conflict with his stated values.

What California voters are really choosing on June 2nd is not just a candidate — it is a direction. A more conservative approach that challenges the Democratic establishment’s record. Or a continuation of Democratic governance with a promise that this time will be different.

Neither choice is perfect. Both deserve serious consideration.

What is not acceptable is staying home. California’s challenges are real and urgent. The governor elected in November will face a $30 billion Medi-Cal funding crisis, an AI data center boom with no regulatory framework, a housing crisis that has defeated every solution attempted, and a federal government that is actively working to reshape California’s relationship with Washington regardless of who wins.

Whoever you vote for — vote.

The polls close at 8pm on June 2nd.

Coming Next: Primary Night Coverage

UnsilencedTruth.com will be covering the primary results as they come in on June 2nd and publishing our full analysis on June 3rd.

Who will make the top two? What does it all mean for November?

We will have answers — and as always, we will give them to you straight.