Episode #56
Newsom’s Last Budget Shadows California’s 2026 Governor Race — July 02, 2026
California governor race gets a fiscal frame as Gavin Newsom signs his final $352 billion budget, while polling still shows Xavier Becerra well ahead of Steve Hilton and new scrutiny follows Newsom’s orbit. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Newsom signs $352B spending plan and reflects on signature policies before he leaves office — SFGATE https://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/newsom-signs-352b-spending-plan-and-reflects-on-22326254.php 2. 2026 Polls: California Governor - 270toWin — 270toWin https://www.270towin.com/2026-governor-polls/california 3. Step Back: California doesn’t run separate Democratic and Republican primaries for governor — it uses a top-two system — so how did that shape a Becerra-Hilton November matchup, and what does it mean for voters who don’t feel represented by either choice? 4. Peculiar primary system forced the GOP to get strategic - Ceres Courier — Ceres Courier https://www.cerescourier.com/opinion/editorial/peculiar-primary-system-forced-the-gop-to-get-strategic/ 5. California Matters: What the federal probe of Newsom and the first partner means for his presidential ambitions | Opinion | mtdemocrat.com — Mountain Democrat https://www.mtdemocrat.com/opinion/california-matters-what-the-federal-probe-of-newsom-and-the-first-partner-means-for-his/article_0d320647-959c-4e0c-8199-2fd4f24b9179.html Follow and rate California Governor's Race on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email california-governors-race@lanternpodcasts.com
