California Governor Race 2026: Becerra and Hilton Split Sharply on AI Regulation

TechTimes reports that California's 2026 governor's race features a sharp split between candidates Becerra and Hilton on AI regulation. The article says the two candidates differ significantly on how the state should handle artificial intelligence policy. The race has made AI regulation a central issue in a major statewide campaign. The split is reported as one of the clearer policy contrasts in the contest.

Roughly 30 AI-related bills were pending in the California legislature as of mid-2026, according to the article. The pending measures cover chatbot safety for children, AI copyright transparency, worker protections from algorithmic management, and a first-in-nation AI safety certification commission. The package spans consumer protection for minors interacting with AI systems, disclosure requirements around training data and copyright, labor rules for algorithmic supervision of workers, and a proposed state commission to certify AI safety. The legislation addresses both consumer-facing AI services and internal corporate use of the technology.

The article says Becerra and Hilton split sharply on AI regulation. The winner of the 2026 race would be positioned to sign or veto the pending bills. The certification commission would be the first in the nation, so the outcome is likely to be watched beyond California. The election result could determine whether the pending measures advance in their current form, are altered, or are blocked. The article frames the race as a choice with significant consequences for AI regulation.