California · Governor · Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Where do the candidates stand on public safety?
- Xavier BecerraDemocrat
- Steve HiltonRepublican
Part of the full California Governor comparison · Last reviewed October 19, 2026
Public Safety
Each position is labeled by what it rests on: a campaign proposal, a public statement, a past action such as a vote or lawsuit, or an enacted policy. Where nothing is documented, the page says so.
Documented positions
Xavier Becerra
Voted for Proposition 36 in 2024 and says he would fully fund it, with court-ordered drug treatment; has not backed longer sentences generally, saying that should be left to judges.
Show the evidence (1)Hide the evidence
- Public statementSept. 2026
Voted for Proposition 36, the 2024 ballot measure voters approved, breaking with Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Democratic Party. He says he would fully fund its provisions and make sure defendants receive court-mandated drug treatment to avoid jail time, but has not backed longer or stricter criminal sentences in general, saying that decision should be left to judges. SourceWho are the 2026 California governor candidates? (opens in a new tab)CalMatters · Sept. 29, 2026 · News
- Public statementSept. 2026
Voted for Proposition 36, the 2024 ballot measure voters approved, breaking with Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Democratic Party. He says he would fully fund its provisions and make sure defendants receive court-mandated drug treatment to avoid jail time, but has not backed longer or stricter criminal sentences in general, saying that decision should be left to judges. SourceWho are the 2026 California governor candidates? (opens in a new tab)CalMatters · Sept. 29, 2026 · News
Steve Hilton
Proposes reopening closed state prisons, reducing early release for good conduct and expanding prison rehabilitation, and says existing laws on theft, drug markets and violent crime should be enforced.
Show the evidence (2)Hide the evidence
- Campaign proposal2026
Proposes reopening closed state prisons, reducing early release based on good conduct and expanding rehabilitation programs in prisons; CalMatters reports he also wants to loosen restrictions in a state anti-discrimination law that prevent police from stopping people on the street. SourceWho are the 2026 California governor candidates? (opens in a new tab)CalMatters · Sept. 29, 2026 · News
- Campaign proposalApril 8, 2026
His campaign website said in April 2026 that the state should enforce the law on homelessness, open-air drug markets, shoplifting, illegal immigration and violent crime, and that as governor he would ensure law enforcement officers are fully supported in enforcing it. SourceSteve Hilton (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference
- Campaign proposal2026
Proposes reopening closed state prisons, reducing early release based on good conduct and expanding rehabilitation programs in prisons; CalMatters reports he also wants to loosen restrictions in a state anti-discrimination law that prevent police from stopping people on the street. SourceWho are the 2026 California governor candidates? (opens in a new tab)CalMatters · Sept. 29, 2026 · News
- Campaign proposalApril 8, 2026
His campaign website said in April 2026 that the state should enforce the law on homelessness, open-air drug markets, shoplifting, illegal immigration and violent crime, and that as governor he would ensure law enforcement officers are fully supported in enforcing it. SourceSteve Hilton (opens in a new tab)Ballotpedia · Reference
Something wrong or missing? Report an error