Becerra-Hilton Governor’s Race Takes Shape as Imperial County Returns Roll In
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-Editorial
After months of campaigning, endorsements, debates and political speculation, California voters headed to the polls Tuesday to make their voices heard and begin shaping the region’s political future.
California’s race for governor is now coming into focus, with former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is poised to face Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton in November.
Early returns from the June 2 primary election show Republican State Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez leading a crowded field in a key legislative race, while several local Imperial County contests remain tight as of 10 p.m. Tuesday.
In the initial multi-candidate field, Republican Jeff Gonzalez secured a commanding early lead with 17,656 votes (46%). Democrat Ida S. Obeso-Martinez followed in second place with 9,329 votes (24.3%), closely pursued by fellow Democrat Oscar Ortiz, who garnered 7,939 votes (20.7%). Democrat Tomás Oliva trailed with 3,442 votes (9%).
In the Imperial County Supervisor District 1 race, with 8 of 12 precincts (66.67%) reporting, Enrique “Kiki” Alvarado established a strong lead with 953 votes (49.3%). Incumbent Jesus Eduardo Escobar held second place with 539 votes (27.88%), while Joong Kim was in third with 441 votes (22.81%).
The District 5 race showed John Hawk leading with 906 votes (46.87%) with just over 10% of precincts reporting. Patricia “Patty” Lizarraga followed with 588 votes (30.42%), and Lorena Minor-Montes held 439 votes (22.71%).
The race for Superior Court Judge has Ben Salorio holding a lead with 5,334 votes (53.14%) over Veronica A. Henderson, who collected 4,704 votes (46.86%).
A similarly competitive race emerged for County Assessor, where Robert Menvielle led Ricardo Avila by a margin of 52.11% (5,260 votes) to 47.89% (4,834 votes).
In Division 1 Imperial Irrigation District, incumbent Alex Cardenas secured a comfortable early lead with 1,252 votes (64.77%) ahead of challenger Carlos Duran, who received 681 votes (35.23%).
In Division 5, incumbent Gina Dockstader ran unopposed, capturing 100% of the initial 1,588 votes cast.
In a separate division contest, Karin Eugenio led Eric L. Rodriguez with 1,312 votes (59.42%) to Rodriguez’s 896 votes (40.58%).
Beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2026, updated results will be released each weekday at 5:00 p.m. until the canvassing process is complete and the election is certified.
As required by the State of California, the Imperial County Registrar of Voters has until Thursday, July 2, 2026, to complete the official canvass and certify the election results. The post-election canvass includes the careful review and verification of vote-by-mail, provisional, and conditional voter registration ballots to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the election.
