The 1990 California gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1990. Though incumbent Republican Governor George Deukmejian was eligible for a third term, he announced in January 1989 that he would not pursue reelection. Republicans instead nominated Senator Pete Wilson, who defeated Democratic former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein in a close race.
Feinstein won the Democratic nomination against opponents including California Attorney General John Van de Kamp, while Wilson faced minimal opposition in his bid for the Republican nomination. Feinstein was elected to Wilson's former Senate seat in 1992, and served in the Senate until her death in September 2023.
Pete Wilson won 25 of California's 45 congressional districts, including eight districts that were won by Democrats. Dianne Feinstein won 20 of California's 45 congressional districts, including two districts that were won by Republicans.