California voters took part in the 2026 US midterm elections on Tuesday, choosing a new governor while also deciding on statewide propositions, congressional contests and local races across the Bay Area.
Democrat Xavier Becerra was projected to defeat Republican Steve Hilton in the gubernatorial race, according to the Associated Press. The result makes Mr Becerra the first Latino elected governor of California.
Mr Becerra, a former California attorney general and US health secretary, is due to succeed term-limited governor Gavin Newsom. His victory preserves Democratic control of the governor’s office in one of America’s most politically influential states.
California election results continue to be counted
Voters across San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and surrounding counties also cast ballots in House races, state legislative contests and a series of propositions covering issues including taxation, public spending and election administration.
The Associated Press also projected Fiona Ma as California’s next lieutenant governor and Rob Bonta as the state’s re-elected attorney general.
Election officials warned that the initial results would not represent the final tally. Mail-in ballots received after Election Day, provisional ballots and votes requiring further verification can continue to be counted during the official canvass.
The California Secretary of State said the certified results for the November 3 election are due to be published by December 11, 2026.
