California voters participated in a gubernatorial primary at record levels, casting nearly 9.5 million ballots before the final count was certified. The total of 9,446,239 votes reflects a significant increase in participation compared to recent mid-cycle elections, though it still fell short of half the registered electorate.
The California Secretary of State’s Election Division reported that the turnout represented approximately 41 percent of registered voters. This figure is higher than the 33 percent average seen in the last five gubernatorial contests and approaches the 44 percent average recorded during the previous five presidential primaries. State law mandated that county officials submit final results by July 3, with the Secretary of State required to certify the election by July 10.
Xavier Becerra secured the most votes among the candidates, receiving 2,591,855, which accounted for 28.1 percent of the total. Republican Steve Hilton followed with 2,277,315 votes, or 24.7 percent. These two candidates qualified for the November 3 runoff to determine who will succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra’s total represented just over 10 percent of the state’s registered voters.
Democratic candidates collectively captured 63 percent of the vote, while Republican candidates received 36 percent. Other top contenders included Tom Steyer with 2,110,704 votes (22.8 percent), Chad Bianco with 941,701 votes (10.2 percent), Katie Porter with 403,908 votes (4.4 percent), and Matt Mahan with 327,537 votes (3.5 percent).
In Santa Clara County, participation was slightly lower than the statewide average. Of approximately one million registered voters in the county, 421,157 ballots were cast, resulting in a turnout rate of 39 percent. San Jose is about 9 miles northeast of Saratoga.