California’s biggest midterm contests are entering their final 48 hours, with FOX LOCAL correspondent Betty Yu previewing the races that could shape the state’s political direction and influence control of the US House.
Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, to choose a successor to Governor Gavin Newsom, who is barred from seeking a third term. The governor’s race is between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, who emerged as the leading candidates from June’s all-party primary. ([ktvu.com](https://www.ktvu.com/video/fmc-xsnm2x2bc5tmq0gu))
Becerra, a former California attorney general and US health secretary, is seeking to retain the governor’s office for the Democrats. Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and adviser to former British prime minister David Cameron, is attempting to return the Republicans to statewide power.
Congressional races are also being closely watched. California will elect all 52 of its members of the US House, and several contests are considered competitive enough to affect the balance of power in Washington. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/128bb03fb5510415e1120200acd39284))
Among the key contests is the race in the 22nd Congressional District, where Republican David Valadao is defending his seat against Democrat Randy Villegas. The open race in the 48th District, following Republican Darrell Issa’s decision to retire, is another contest attracting national attention.
Voters will also decide on 14 statewide propositions, including Proposition 40, which would introduce a one-off five per cent tax on individuals with assets worth more than $1 billion. Supporters say the revenue would help replace cuts to federal healthcare funding, while opponents have raised objections to the proposal. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/128bb03fb5510415e1120200acd39284))
The California Secretary of State’s office says counties began mailing ballots on October 5, while early voting has been available in locations across the state. Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm on election day, with ballots returned by post required to be postmarked no later than November 3. ([sos.ca.gov](https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026))
Yu’s preview comes as campaigns make their final appeals to voters across California, where the governor’s contest, closely fought House districts and a wide-ranging ballot are set to dominate the closing hours of the midterm campaign.
