California Holds High-Stakes 2026 Midterm Elections
Voters across California head to the polls to decide a closely watched gubernatorial race, congressional contests under new maps, and 14 statewide propositions.
Californians cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, deciding a wide range of contests that feature a high-profile race for governor, numerous U.S. House seats shaped by newly redrawn congressional maps, and 14 statewide ballot propositions. The election marks a major test for the state's political landscape following significant redistricting efforts and intense national attention on key legislative measures.
The gubernatorial race has narrowed to two primary candidates: veteran California politician and Democrat Xavier Becerra, and Republican immigrant and Donald Trump ally Steve Hilton. Voters are also deciding other critical statewide offices, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and insurance commissioner, alongside contests for half of the state Senate and all 80 seats in the state Assembly.
California continues to hold the nation's largest congressional delegation with 52 U.S. House districts. The current delegation is split among 43 Democrats, eight Republicans, and one independent who caucuses with the GOP. However, the political balance is expected to shift following the passage of Proposition 50 in 2025. Spearheaded by outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, the measure significantly altered district lines and is projected to net several new seats for Democrats.
Several congressional races have drawn intense focus. In the 1st District covering Northern California, Republican Representative James Gallagher is running for a full term after winning a special election earlier in the year. He faces state Senator Mike McGuire, a Democrat who advanced from the June primary and is heavily favored to flip the seat under the newly configured district boundaries.
In the newly created 6th District in the Sacramento area, two-term Representative Kevin Kiley is running as an independent while continuing to caucus with House Republicans. Kiley switched his affiliation due to frustrations over partisanship and the implementation of Proposition 50. He is opposed by former state Senator Richard Pan.
Other notable congressional battles include the San Joaquin Valley's 22nd District, where longtime Republican Representative David Valadao faces progressive challenger Randy Villegas, and the open 48th District in San Diego County, where San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert are competing for the seat vacated by retiring Republican Representative Darrell Issa.
Beyond candidate races, California voters are weighing 14 distinct propositions through the state's direct democracy process. Measures drawing significant financial backing and national attention include Proposition 40, which proposes a billionaire tax, along with counter-measures Propositions 41 and 42. Additionally, Proposition 39 addresses election integrity by introducing a strict voter identification requirement.
Under California's top-two primary system, the leading vote-getters in the June primary advanced to the general election regardless of party affiliation. All registered voters received mail-in ballots, with valid ballots postmarked by Election Day permitted to arrive within a seven-day window to be counted. The secretary of state is scheduled to certify the final election results in early December.