2026 California gubernatorial election
Event in Politics
2026 California gubernatorial election has come up in 18 episodes across 4 podcasts in TMT, including The Megyn Kelly Show, Pod Save America, Digital Social Hour. 12 people have made recorded remarks about it.
What people said
Megyn KellyConservative broadcaster and podcaster
- Came true
Kelly predicts Steve Hilton will finish in the top two and advance to the general election.
“I think Steve Hilton will be, you know, one of the final two”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333 (Jun 5, 2026) · Listen from 5:40
Kelly says she does not generally believe stolen-election claims and wants hard evidence for such allegations.
“I want to see cold, hard proof if somebody is going to make allegations of a stolen election”
The Megyn Kelly Show: The TRUTH About Jill's Treatment of Joe Biden, Bari Weiss' Leadership, and "Strangers" Accuracy, with Maureen Callahan | Ep. 1332 (Jun 4, 2026) · Listen from 0:54
Kelly argues the delayed mail-in vote count in California is suspicious.
“I'm sorry, but if you don't smell a rat, your olfactory nerves are not working”
The Megyn Kelly Show: The TRUTH About Jill's Treatment of Joe Biden, Bari Weiss' Leadership, and "Strangers" Accuracy, with Maureen Callahan | Ep. 1332 (Jun 4, 2026) · Listen from 0:46
Kelly argued it is embarrassing that California takes days to count election results and should learn from Florida.
“Why in 2026 America does it take a state three days to figure out who won an election?”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Pratt and Hilton Closer to Runoff, and CBS News WAR Between Pelley and Bari Weiss, with Adam Carolla | Ep. 1331 (Jun 3, 2026) · Listen from 0:25
Chad BiancoRiverside County sheriff and Republican candidate for governor of California
Bianco pledges to investigate Newsom and says he would personally handcuff him if an investigation warranted an arrest.
“if there is a way that we find in an investigation that Newsom needs to be arrested, I'll be the one to put handcuffs on him”
REAL AF with Andy Frisella: 1015. Andy, Chad Bianco & DJ CTI: Communists At No Kings Rally, Ground Operations In Iran & Tiger Woods DUI (Mar 31, 2026) · Listen from 1:01:54
- Prediction · due Nov 2026
Bianco says roughly 60 people are running for governor and that under California's top-two system the November runoff could feature two Republicans.
“It could be two Republicans. And so, I mean, statistically, if you want to look at it right now. It probably will be”
REAL AF with Andy Frisella: 1015. Andy, Chad Bianco & DJ CTI: Communists At No Kings Rally, Ground Operations In Iran & Tiger Woods DUI (Mar 31, 2026) · Listen from 57:23
Bianco says Newsom failed to develop a successor, leaving a vacuum that too many Democrats are now competing to fill.
“now that he's leaving, there is no heir apparent in California. So all of these egos jumped in to take advantage of a vacuum”
REAL AF with Andy Frisella: 1015. Andy, Chad Bianco & DJ CTI: Communists At No Kings Rally, Ground Operations In Iran & Tiger Woods DUI (Mar 31, 2026) · Listen from 56:23
Bianco attributes California's political outcomes to the 40 to 60 percent of voters who do not turn out.
“Every election between 40 and 60% of the people don't vote”
REAL AF with Andy Frisella: 1015. Andy, Chad Bianco & DJ CTI: Communists At No Kings Rally, Ground Operations In Iran & Tiger Woods DUI (Mar 31, 2026) · Listen from 10:04
Jon FavreauCo-host of Pod Save America and former speechwriter for President Barack Obama
Favreau warns that late-counted California ballots will likely produce an early Republican-leaning red mirage.
“high probability that this will have a red mirage in the voting as the returns come in, especially this year”
Pod Save America: Trump and Pod Save America Agree: JD Is Lame (Jun 2, 2026) · Listen from 44:56
Favreau says he voted for Katie Porter despite recognizing it was the least strategic choice.
“I just voted for Katie Porter because I like her and it's like I realized that she has it is the least strategic head”
Pod Save America: Trump and Pod Save America Agree: JD Is Lame (Jun 2, 2026) · Listen from 30:47
- Prediction · due Nov 2026
Favreau predicted the next California governor will be Steyer, Porter or Swalwell.
“like those are probably one of those three candidates is going to end up being governor”
Pod Save America: Strait Up War Crimes (Apr 7, 2026) · Listen from 1:01:06
Favreau said Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton did for Democrats what their own campaigns had failed to do in the jungle primary.
“It's so funny. I think you and I talked about this and I was like, how have other Democratic campaigns not elevated one of the two Republicans by now?”
Pod Save America: Strait Up War Crimes (Apr 7, 2026) · Listen from 56:49
Katie PorterDemocratic candidate for governor of California
Porter said Xavier Becerra should be held accountable for losing track of 80,000 unaccompanied children while at HHS.
“that doesn't mean that Javier Becerra shouldn't have to take accountability for losing 80,000 unaccompanied children”
Pod Save America: Political Violence Shocks Washington (Apr 28, 2026) · Listen from 1:20:31
Porter argued that billionaire Tom Steyer cannot be as attuned to California families' economic struggles as she is.
“are you really awake and attuned to what it's like for California families in a way that I just don't think a billionaire can be”
Pod Save America: Political Violence Shocks Washington (Apr 28, 2026) · Listen from 1:15:55
Porter urged debate and forum hosts not to platform low-polling candidates to avoid a Democratic lockout in the top-two primary.
“don't put the candidate with 1% on stage. Like, let's act like grownups about this”
Pod Save America: Political Violence Shocks Washington (Apr 28, 2026) · Listen from 1:12:15
Porter argued for shifting homelessness spending toward prevention, which she said is far cheaper than permanent supportive housing.
“homelessness prevention programs take about $6,000 to prevent someone from losing a home”
Pod Save America: Political Violence Shocks Washington (Apr 28, 2026) · Listen from 1:05:19
Tom SteyerDemocratic candidate for governor of California and billionaire investor
Steyer supports film tax credits, saying they return more to the state than they cost.
“the tax credits that we give for every dollar we get back $1.14”
Pod Save America: It's One Ballroom, Donald, How Much Could It Cost? (May 8, 2026) · Listen from 1:30:05
Steyer argues teacher quality is the key to student success and that California teachers are underpaid relative to living costs.
“the by far biggest determinant of student success is how good the teachers are”
Pod Save America: It's One Ballroom, Donald, How Much Could It Cost? (May 8, 2026) · Listen from 1:03:27
Steyer attributes California's population loss to its high cost of living, starting with housing and health care.
“California is too expensive for Californians to live in anymore. And it starts with housing, but it certainly includes health care”
Pod Save America: It's One Ballroom, Donald, How Much Could It Cost? (May 8, 2026) · Listen from 54:22
Dan PfeifferCo-host of Pod Save America, author of the Message Box newsletter, and former White House communications director
Pfeiffer countered that elevating one Republican now may simply raise Hilton without lowering Bianco because the situations differ.
“I'm not sure you're going to lower Bianco. You might just raise Hilton”
Pod Save America: Blue Wave Building in the Strait of Hormuz (Mar 27, 2026) · Listen from 1:01:32
Pfeiffer said California's size, ad costs and hollowed-out local media make it nearly impossible for underfunded candidates to become known.
“The system here sucks because of how expensive it is to run ads. And the state's too big to go around and meet everyone”
Pod Save America: Blue Wave Building in the Strait of Hormuz (Mar 27, 2026) · Listen from 59:11
Pfeiffer urged low-polling Democratic candidates without money or name recognition to drop out and endorse a viable contender.
“the best thing you can do is drop out and endorse someone who has a chance to win”
Pod Save America: Blue Wave Building in the Strait of Hormuz (Mar 27, 2026) · Listen from 57:36
Sean DavisCEO and co-founder of The Federalist
Davis argues California's top-two primary is designed to depress opposition down-ballot turnout.
“You cook your primaries. so that the only people at the top of the ticket are one party”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333 (Jun 5, 2026) · Listen from 25:44
- Prediction · due Nov 2026
Davis predicts Democrats will win California's statewide general election regardless of the Republican candidates.
“It is a very blue state. The Democrats are going to win. Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt are spectacular candidates”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333 (Jun 5, 2026) · Listen from 25:55
Sohrab AhmariU.S. editor of UnHerd and conservative commentator
Ahmari says he is less skeptical of the California results than Kelly and Davis, given Trump's unpopularity and the state's Democratic lean.
“I don't think I'm as skeptical of what the results are showing so far as you guys are”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333 (Jun 5, 2026) · Listen from 19:13
Ahmari observes that the debate focused more on material economic issues than Democratic debates did in 2020.
“it's remarkable how much of it was focused on what you might call material questions like health care, like a living wage”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Katie Porter MELTDOWN, and Obama's Marriage Tension, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus Justice Gorsuch on America's 250th Birthday | Ep. 1311 (May 6, 2026) · Listen from 26:30
Tommy VietorCo-host of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World who conducted the Josh Turek interview
Vietor says Katie Porter is his ideal governor but he voted strategically because she trails in polls.
“if I could wave a magic wand and make someone governor, it would be Katie Porter”
Pod Save America: Trump and Pod Save America Agree: JD Is Lame (Jun 2, 2026) · Listen from 30:02
- Came true
Vietor urged low-polling Democratic candidates to drop out by mid-April, arguing that candidates under 5% cannot win.
“If you're not at 5% in the polls by like April 15th, when ballots are getting mailed to people, when this thing is really getting into the final stages, like you're not going to win”
Pod Save America: Strait Up War Crimes (Apr 7, 2026) · Listen from 1:01:25
Jon LovettCo-host of Pod Save America; diarization split of the same speaker during the economics segment
Lovett says he will vote for Steyer strategically to produce a Democrat-versus-Democrat runoff rather than Becerra against a Republican.
“I would much rather have two Democrats battling it out for the future of the Democratic Party in this state than I would have Becerra versus a Republican”
Pod Save America: Trump and Pod Save America Agree: JD Is Lame (Jun 2, 2026) · Listen from 29:12
Lovett argues California is in an emergency and that only Republican candidates showed passion about it in the debate.
“And the only people up there that seem to have fire about it were the Republicans”
Pod Save America: Bernie vs. the Robots (May 3, 2026) · Listen from 1:11:59
Matt MahanMayor of San Jose and candidate for governor of California
Mahan blames special-interest capture, such as construction defect litigation, for California building few condos.
“So the city of Miami builds more condos every year than the entire state of California”
Pod Save America: Trump's Revenge Leads to Republican Revolt (May 22, 2026) · Listen from 1:12:54
Mahan argues he is the only Democrat in the race with a record of challenging his party's establishment to deliver results.
“I'm the only Democrat in the race who has a track record of challenging the establishment within my own party to make our government deliver for people”
Pod Save America: Trump's Revenge Leads to Republican Revolt (May 22, 2026) · Listen from 1:08:18
Ana KasparianAmerican progressive commentator, host and executive producer of The Young Turks
Kasparian argued California is overspending on nonprofits and programs without oversight and needs a governor who can grow tax revenue.
“we also need to increase our tax revenue by making this a desirable place to do business in”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Dems EAT Their Own in California, with Ana Kasparian, and Trump's "Softer" Deportation Approach, with Gregory Bovino | Ep. 1317 (May 14, 2026) · Listen from 10:00
Predictions
- Prediction · due Nov 2026Sean Davis
Davis predicts Democrats will win California's statewide general election regardless of the Republican candidates.
“It is a very blue state. The Democrats are going to win. Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt are spectacular candidates”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333 (Jun 5, 2026) · Listen from 25:55 · 2026 California gubernatorial election
- Came trueMegyn Kelly
Kelly predicts Steve Hilton will finish in the top two and advance to the general election.
“I think Steve Hilton will be, you know, one of the final two”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333 (Jun 5, 2026) · Listen from 5:40 · 2026 California gubernatorial election
In California's June 2, 2026 top-two primary for governor, Republican Steve Hilton finished second with about 24.6% (2,277,318 votes). That put him behind Democrat Xavier Becerra (about 28.0%) and ahead of Democrat Tom Steyer (about 22.8%), so Hilton advanced to the November 3 general election against Becerra.
Sources: 2026 California elections (Wikipedia) · 5 things to know about California's election results (CalMatters) · California's primary for governor is undecided as candidates vie to be in the top two (NPR) · 2026 California gubernatorial election (Wikipedia)
Checked Oct 8, 2026
- Prediction · due Nov 2026Stu Burguiere
Burguiere predicts Katie Porter's gubernatorial campaign will lose.
“to try to get people all fired up to donate to her stupid campaign that is almost definitely going to end in a giant fat loss”
The Megyn Kelly Show: Kimmel's "Widow" Double Standard, Left Celebrates Political Violence, and Newsom's Hypocrisy, with Stu Burguiere | Ep. 1305 (Apr 28, 2026) · Listen from 1:21:25 · 2026 California gubernatorial election
- Prediction · due Nov 2026Jon Favreau
Favreau predicted the next California governor will be Steyer, Porter or Swalwell.
“like those are probably one of those three candidates is going to end up being governor”
Pod Save America: Strait Up War Crimes (Apr 7, 2026) · Listen from 1:01:06 · 2026 California gubernatorial election
- Came trueTommy Vietor
Vietor urged low-polling Democratic candidates to drop out by mid-April, arguing that candidates under 5% cannot win.
“If you're not at 5% in the polls by like April 15th, when ballots are getting mailed to people, when this thing is really getting into the final stages, like you're not going to win”
Pod Save America: Strait Up War Crimes (Apr 7, 2026) · Listen from 1:01:25 · 2026 California gubernatorial election
No candidate polling under 5% around the April 15, 2026 cutoff advanced from the June 2 top-two primary; Steve Hilton (R) and Xavier Becerra (D) advanced, with Tom Steyer third. Becerra was at 3-4% in early April, when Vietor spoke, but after Eric Swalwell's exit he rose to 10% in an Emerson poll released April 16 and 13% in an April 15-17 Democratic Party tracking poll, clearing the threshold by the deadline. The November 3 general election had not yet taken place as of this check.
Sources: Becerra and Hilton Advance in California Governor Race (TIME) · Election results are in: Steve Hilton to face Becerra in November election (CalMatters) · California 2026 Poll: Swalwell Exit from Governor Race Opens Lane for Democrat Xavier Becerra (Emerson) · With Swalwell out, Becerra could be Democrats best hope (Times of San Diego) · Hilton, Becerra still lead Steyer in California governor's race (KTLA)
Checked Oct 6, 2026
- Prediction · due Nov 2026Chad Bianco
Bianco says roughly 60 people are running for governor and that under California's top-two system the November runoff could feature two Republicans.
“It could be two Republicans. And so, I mean, statistically, if you want to look at it right now. It probably will be”
REAL AF with Andy Frisella: 1015. Andy, Chad Bianco & DJ CTI: Communists At No Kings Rally, Ground Operations In Iran & Tiger Woods DUI (Mar 31, 2026) · Listen from 57:23 · 2026 California gubernatorial election
Coverage over time
Podcasts
- The Megyn Kelly Show · 8 episodes
- Pod Save America · 8 episodes
- Digital Social Hour · 1 episode
- REAL AF with Andy Frisella · 1 episode
Episodes
Shady California Vote Counting, and Dems' Platner Hypocrisy, with Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis, Plus James Patterson on Patriotism | Ep. 1333The Megyn Kelly Show · Jun 5, 2026 · 1 h 43 min
Megyn Kelly, Sohrab Ahmari and Sean Davis discuss California's slow vote count, allegations against Graham Platner and the Karmelo Anthony trial, then James Patterson and Matt Eversmann discuss Rocket's Red Glare.
Trump's Versailles on the PotomacPod Save America · Jun 5, 2026 · 1 h 20 min
Jon Favreau and Alex Wagner discuss Trump's building projects, the J6 slush fund, ICE detention, Blanche and Pulte nominations, California primaries, Graham Platner, 60 Minutes, and Favreau's mistaken UFC invite.
- The TRUTH About Jill's Treatment of Joe Biden, Bari Weiss' Leadership, and "Strangers" Accuracy, with Maureen Callahan | Ep. 1332
The Megyn Kelly Show · Jun 4, 2026 · 1 h 43 min
Megyn Kelly and Maureen Callahan discuss California's slow vote count, Belle Burden's memoir Strangers, turmoil at CBS News under Bari Weiss, Jill Biden, Blake Lively and Ted Danson.
- Pratt and Hilton Closer to Runoff, and CBS News WAR Between Pelley and Bari Weiss, with Adam Carolla | Ep. 1331
The Megyn Kelly Show · Jun 3, 2026 · 1 h 44 min
Megyn Kelly and Adam Carolla discuss California's primary results, Pride Month, the Scott Pelley–Bari Weiss feud at CBS News, and the killing of Henry Nowak.
Trump and Pod Save America Agree: JD Is LamePod Save America · Jun 2, 2026 · 1 h 36 min
Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor discuss Trump's abandoned slush fund, Iran talks, California, Iowa and Maine primaries, and JD Vance; Senator Andy Kim describes Delaney Hall.
- Jill Biden's OBVIOUS Lies, and the Spencer Pratt Momentum, with Jesse Kelly, Damilare Sonoiki and Stepfanie Tyler | Ep. 1328
The Megyn Kelly Show · May 29, 2026 · 1 h 43 min
Megyn Kelly and Jesse Kelly assail Jill Biden's debate revisionism and Texas politics, then discuss Spencer Pratt's LA mayoral surge and celebrity news with Damilare Sonoiki and Stepfanie Tyler.
Trump's Revenge Leads to Republican RevoltPod Save America · May 22, 2026 · 1 h 42 min
Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Republican resistance to Trump's priorities and the DNC's 2024 autopsy, and Tommy Vietor interviews California gubernatorial candidate Matt Mahan.
Only Jayus: How I Became The Most Hated TikTok Creator | DSH #1967Digital Social Hour · May 16, 2026 · 57 min
Sean Kelly talks with TikTok creator OnlyJayus about going viral, cancel culture, foster care, debate shows, feminism, Trump, socialism, and healthcare.
- Dems EAT Their Own in California, with Ana Kasparian, and Trump's "Softer" Deportation Approach, with Gregory Bovino | Ep. 1317
The Megyn Kelly Show · May 14, 2026 · 1 h 42 min
Megyn Kelly and Ana Kasparian discuss California's governor race, Jack Schlossberg, and Thomas Massie's primary, then Gregory Bovino argues Trump's deportation policy has softened.
- The TRUTH About Michael Jackson as Biopic Sets Records, and Blake Lively's DOOMED Legal Strategy, with Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy
The Megyn Kelly Show · May 12, 2026 · 2 h 11 min
Megyn Kelly, Mark Geragos, and Matt Murphy weigh Michael Jackson's legacy and abuse allegations amid the Michael biopic, then critique Blake Lively's legal strategy against Justin Baldoni.