Decision 2026
Early Returns Place Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra Ahead in California Gubernatorial Primary as Local Coachella Valley Races Take Shape
Initial voting totals continue to crystallize across California following Tuesday's statewide primary election, offering a clearer trajectory of the premier races for governor and key local seats representing the Coachella Valley. While thousands of late-arriving mail-in and drop-box ballots remain uncounted, early percentages indicate a classic bipartisan showdown forming for the general election this November.
At the top of the ballot, the crowded race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom is narrowing to two clear front-runners. Republican commentator Steve Hilton currently commands the lead with 27 percent of the early vote. Following closely behind is former Biden administration health official and Democrat Xavier Becerra, who has secured 25 percent. The early returns mirror recent public polling, which showed voters coalescing around Hilton and Becerra as their respective party favorites. Environmental activist and billionaire progressive Tom Steyer remains in third place with 19 percent, while local Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco occupies the fourth position.
The initial numbers have sparked contrasting reactions among local political factions. Conservative grassroots volunteers expressed disappointment regarding the initial standing of Sheriff Bianco, noting a strong desire to see his law enforcement platform advance past the top-two threshold into November. Conversely, local Democratic organizers stated they are prepared to swiftly unify behind Becerra if his second-place position holds, praising his extensive policy background and history of governing at both the state and federal levels.
In the state legislature, one of the region's most competitive matchups is developing in Assembly District 36. Incumbent Republican Jeff Gonzalez maintains a healthy baseline lead, capturing 46 percent of the initial vote. However, the battle for the second slot on the general election ballot remains too close to call. Democrat Aida Obeso Martinez currently sits in second place with 23 percent, closely pursued by Indio City Council member and fellow Democrat Oscar Ortiz at 20 percent. Ortiz expressed optimism regarding the early percentages, highlighting the aggressive efforts of his campaign team and grassroots volunteers despite facing significant opposing campaign expenditures.
Meanwhile, a definitive outcome appears to be forming in the race for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has established a commanding advantage, capturing 60 percent of the early returns. Challenging candidate and La Quinta City Council member Steve Sanchez currently trails with 40 percent. In a prepared statement, Supervisor Perez credited his strong lead to a campaign focused entirely on prioritizing county residents. Despite the twenty-point deficit, Sanchez noted that the margin is tighter than historical returns for local incumbents, viewing the initial breakdown as a clear message from the community.
Regional registrar offices are scheduled to release the next comprehensive batch of updated tallies later this evening. Local campaign organizations across the Coachella Valley continue to urge patience, reminding the public that final conclusions are premature until every eligible vote is verified and counted.
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By: Alondra Campos
June 3, 2026
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