Latest Results Show Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra Leading The Race

Three hours after polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, early election results show Republican candidate Steve Hilton holding a narrow lead in the race for governor, with more than 76 percent of precincts reporting statewide.

According to the latest vote totals, Hilton leads the field with 26.9 percent of the vote. Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Javier Becerra trails closely behind with 25.8 percent, setting up a tight contest as remaining ballots continue to be counted.

Businessman and Democratic candidate Tom Steyer currently sits in third place with 19.8 percent of the vote.

Rounding out the top four candidates is Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, who has secured 11.2 percent of the statewide vote.

While Bianco remains fourth statewide, results in his home county tell a different story.

In Riverside County, Bianco is leading all candidates with 27 percent of the vote, demonstrating strong local support. Becerra follows in second place locally with 24 percent of votes cast.

Election officials cautioned that results remain unofficial and could change as additional ballots are processed in the coming hours and days. Millions of mail-in and provisional ballots are still expected to be counted across the state.

The close margin between Hilton and Becerra suggests the race remains highly competitive, with final outcomes likely dependent on votes still outstanding from several major population centers.