No Clear Favorite: GOP Governor Race Splits at Convention

SAN DIEGO — In a revealing snapshot of California’s evolving political landscape, Republicans at their spring convention in San Diego stopped short of rallying behind a single candidate in the 2026 governor’s race, underscoring both internal competition and a broader recalibration within the party.

Delegates gathered over three days at the Sheraton San Diego Resort, but when it came time to consolidate support, no candidate reached the required 60% threshold for endorsement. Chad Bianco secured 49% of the vote, while Steve Hilton, who has received backing from Donald Trump, garnered 44%. The remaining delegates opted for no endorsement.

Rather than signaling division alone, party leadership framed the outcome as evidence of a competitive field. Party Chair Corrin Rankin described the situation as an “amazing candidate problem,” praising both contenders as strong representatives of the party’s direction.

The convention, themed “Turning the tide, together,” drew more than 1,100 delegates from across California. Attendees participated in sessions covering campaign strategy, voter mobilization, election integrity, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in politics. The event also featured high-profile speakers, including Ted Cruz, who emphasized the importance of voter turnout and encouraged Republicans to challenge the state’s Democratic supermajority.

Both leading gubernatorial candidates used the platform to sharpen their messages. Hilton highlighted economic concerns such as cost of living and employment, aligning his campaign closely with national Republican messaging. Bianco, meanwhile, downplayed the lack of endorsement, stating that his campaign is focused on voters rather than party backing.

Despite the deadlock in the governor’s race, delegates did unify behind candidates in several other statewide contests, including nominations for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state—an indication that party cohesion remains intact in down-ballot races.

Currently, Republicans hold 10 of 40 seats in the California State Senate and 20 of 80 in the Assembly, along with 7 of the state’s 52 U.S. House seats. Party leaders reiterated a central objective moving forward: expanding that footprint and appealing to a broader segment of California voters.

The absence of an endorsement does not end the contest—it reframes it. With multiple viable candidates and distinct campaign strategies emerging, the race for governor now shifts more directly into the hands of voters, where the party’s future direction in California will ultimately be decided.