California is holding its gubernatorial election this Tuesday, November 3, as voters choose the state's next governor in a race between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, who are seeking to succeed Gavin Newsom.
 

The election is one of the state's most significant political contests, as the next governor will face major challenges, including the high cost of living, the housing crisis, rising gas prices, education and immigration policies.
 

Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, former California attorney general and former congressman, is seeking to become the state's next Democratic governor.

Meanwhile, Steve Hilton, a political commentator and former Fox News host, represents the Republican Party. His campaign has focused in part on criticizing Democratic leadership and proposing changes to economic policies, housing and public services.
 

According to the California Secretary of State's Office, polling places will remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 

California residents who missed the voter registration deadline can still register conditionally on Election Day and cast a provisional ballot at a county elections office or designated voting center.
 

Initial election results are expected to be reported after 8 p.m. However, the counting process could continue over the following days as election officials process mail-in ballots, provisional ballots and conditional voter registrations.
 

The official statewide certification of election results is scheduled for December.
 

In addition to choosing the next governor, California voters will also decide on 14 statewide ballot propositions covering various issues of public interest.
 

The election will determine who leads California's state government for the next four years.