California Voters Face 2026 State, Local Races

California’s 2026 governor’s race pits Democrat Xavier Becerra against Republican Steve Hilton, with Becerra favored in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 4.6 million and no Republican has won statewide office in 20 years; Hilton calls the contest an uphill but winnable fight. The guides also highlight local contests, including city council and mayoral races in Encinitas and Carlsbad, Manhattan Beach council seats, and an uncontested Manhattan Beach school board election. Voters will decide statewide propositions and Los Angeles County charter amendments, alongside congressional and state legislative races; Manhattan Beach has no city-specific measure. California voters receive mail ballots automatically and can return them by mail, at an official drop box, or at a Vote Center, with conditional registration available through Election Day for eligible residents who miss the regular deadline.