The next governor will take over a state budget of roughly $300 billion by CalMatters' count (KQED puts it at about $350 billion), and KQED notes the state faces a structural deficit projected to reach $35 billion within a few years. The two finalists are Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Recent polling has Becerra ahead; see our poll story. Here is where they stand.

Who they are

Becerra is a former Los Angeles-area congressman. He became California attorney general in 2017 and later served as President Biden's secretary of Health and Human Services. Hilton was an adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2012 and hosted a Fox News show from 2017 to 2023. President Trump has endorsed him.

Taxes

Becerra supports a progressive income tax and extending the higher rate on top earners. He opposes Prop 40, the billionaire tax, and has floated taxing corporations whose low-paid workers end up on public health coverage. Hilton would eliminate state income tax on the first $150,000 of income, apply a flat rate above that and cut the gas tax in half. He also opposes Prop 40.

Housing

Becerra says he would declare an emergency to fund 40,000 affordable units that are already approved, push for zoning changes, expand down-payment help and curb bulk home buying by corporations. Hilton says he wants to "bring back the starter home," create a state loan program for first-time buyers and limit CEQA lawsuits so more suburban homes can be built.

Homelessness

Becerra wants an ongoing funding stream for homelessness prevention and a public dashboard to track results. He says people should not stay on the street once they are offered shelter, but he stopped short of saying they should face arrest. Hilton says camping should be illegal, police should clear encampments and state money should go to sober housing.

Climate and energy

Becerra has said he is open to revising the state's 2035 phaseout of new gas-powered car sales. Hilton would roll back clean energy mandates and allow more natural gas production.

Dealing with Trump

As attorney general, Becerra sued the first Trump administration more than 100 times, according to CalMatters. Hilton says he expects a cooperative relationship with the White House.

Crime and immigration

Becerra voted for Prop 36, the 2024 measure that increased penalties for some theft and drug crimes, and supports the state's sanctuary law. Hilton would reopen prisons, overturn the sanctuary law and loosen gun restrictions.

Health care and tech

Becerra wants to maximize coverage and create a health care workforce fund. Hilton would end Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. On tech, Becerra supports barring children under 16 from social media. Hilton, who uses a flip phone, opposes that kind of regulation.

Who's backing them

KQED lists Kamala Harris, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and SEIU California among Becerra's supporters. Hilton's include Trump, the California Republican Party, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC and pastor Jack Hibbs.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.

More races and measures: our 2026 election hub.