In the 2026 California primary, Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra split Santa Cruz County votes along demographic lines. Steyer led in white, college-educated areas, while Becerra dominated in Latino-majority neighborhoods.
- Steyer won about 40% in Santa Cruz city vs. Becerra's 32%.
- Becerra took 41% in Watsonville, 41% in Interlaken, and 36% in Freedom. - Republican Hilton found support in high-income white areas like Mount Hermon.
With Steyer dropping out, Becerra is now favored to become California's first Latino governor.