CA, US & World
The Red Wave in a Blue Bastion? Why Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco Could Shake Up the 2026 California Governor’s Race
Two decades have passed since "The Governator" last secured a landslide for the GOP in California, but as the June 2 primary approaches, Republicans are starting to think a sequel is finally in the cards. With 61 candidates crowding the ballot, the state’s unique "jungle primary" system is creating a mathematical path for a Republican to—at the very least—make things very uncomfortable for the Democratic establishment.
The "6 Million Reasons" Strategy
Republican frontrunner and former Fox News host Steve Hilton is basing his campaign on a striking statistic: the 6 million votes Donald Trump secured in California in 2024. While the state remains a Democratic stronghold, that number represents a 1.6-million-vote gain over 2016. Hilton, backed by a high-profile endorsement from President Trump, is betting that a platform of slashing gas prices and cutting energy costs will resonate with a middle class currently being "squeezed" by Sacramento.
The Riverside Connection
Closer to home for us in the Coachella Valley, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is holding strong in the upper tier of the polls. Bianco has built his reputation on a "tough-on-crime" platform, frequently clashing with the Newsom administration over homelessness policies and public safety. For many desert residents, Bianco represents a familiar, local face in a race dominated by Bay Area and Los Angeles politicians.
A "Jungle Primary" Nightmare for Democrats
Under California’s nonpartisan primary rules, the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election, regardless of their party. This "free-for-all" has become a headache for California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks, who warned that the field is currently "too crowded."
With high-profile Democrats like Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Katie Porter splitting the progressive and moderate vote, there is a legitimate mathematical chance that Hilton and Bianco could finish in the top two spots. This scenario would leave Democrats without a candidate on the November ballot for the first time in state history.
The State of the Race
The campaign was thrown into a tailspin last month when Rep. Eric Swalwell abruptly resigned from Congress and ended his gubernatorial bid following allegations of sexual misconduct. His exit has left a vacuum of supporters that Becerra and Steyer are currently scrambling to absorb.
Candidate Breakdown:
- Steve Hilton (Republican): Focus on affordability, lower gas prices, Trump-endorsed.
- Tom Steyer (Democrat): Focus on climate change, "polluters pay," massive self-funding.
- Xavier Becerra (Democrat): "Health-care governor," standing up to federal policies.
- Chad Bianco (Republican): Focus on public safety, local law enforcement, crime reduction.
- Katie Porter (Democrat): Relatable "minivan mom" persona, anti-corporate money.
The Trump Factor
While the Democratic candidates are focusing their messaging on opposing the administration’s recent federalization of the National Guard for immigration enforcement, Republicans are leaning into the discontent over housing costs and the perennial state budget crisis.
"We cannot keep going in this direction," Hilton argued at a recent debate. "Democrats have an insatiable appetite for more taxes for their bottomless money pit."
Whether California is truly ready to pivot back toward a Republican governor remains to be seen, but with less than a month until the primary, the "Blue Wall" is feeling the pressure.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
May 2, 2026
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Palm Springs Pride is celebrating 40 years of community and inclusion this year. And while hundreds of thousands of people painted the town rainbow, others took the occasion to protest against the exclusion of one group from the parade. Tune in to our on air newscasts at 8:30 and 11 p.m as our @newsbyalondra takes us inside the festivities and protest that took place this year.
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) John Moreno Jr. with the TFL 2) Kingston Pellum with the snag or, 3)Parker Lewis with the interception #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
Pride weekend brought the party to the pool at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs! David Reese stopped by the annual GED Magazine pool party, where an estimated 1,000 people gathered to celebrate community, inclusivity and Pride. The festivities continue with more events, including the Locker Room after-hours party and the Refresh pool party following Sunday’s parade. #PalmSpringsPride #PrideWeekend #AceHotel #GEDMagazine #NBCPalmSprings
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Palm Springs Pride is officially underway and many local businesses are already looking ahead at the major economic boost this annual event brings every year. Our @newsbyalondra will have live coverage at 4:30, 5 and 6 p.m on air and online where she’ll speak to business owners about how they prep for the big crowds.
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Watch the Palm Springs Pride Parade LIVE this Sunday at 10 AM on NBC Palm Springs’ Facebook and YouTube channels! Join hosts Thalia Hayden and NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese for all the parade excitement, live from Palm Springs. Can’t make it in person? Celebrate with us online! Livestream sponsored by @DAP Health #PalmSpringsPride #PrideParade #NBCPalmSprings
Honor our veterans and get moving at the 3rd Annual Indio Veterans Day 5K & 10K Run! Join the community Wednesday, November 11, at the Empire Polo Club for a morning of fitness, fun and recognition of the men and women who have served our country. Register now and save $10 on your registration fee with promo code NBCUniversal. See you at the starting line! #Indio #VeteransDay #VeteransDay5K #VeteransDay10K #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings