California Governor Race: Hilton, Becerra Neck and Neck Early
Republican Steve Hilton leads Democrat Xavier Becerra in California's gubernatorial jungle primary with 26.9 percent to 25.8 percent, with both advancing to November's general election.
As of late Tuesday night, with 73.4 percent of precincts reporting, Hilton had secured 1,142,598 votes or 26.9 percent, while former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra trailed closely with 1,095,998 votes or 25.8 percent, as New York Post reports.
The results suggest that California voters may be prepared to break with decades of Democratic dominance in the deep-blue state. Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer finished third with 837,565 votes or 19.7 percent, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco captured 478,322 votes or 11.2 percent.
In an exclusive interview with New York Post before his election night event, Hilton declared that change is coming for California.
The top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election under California’s jungle primary system, regardless of party affiliation. Former congresswoman Katie Porter finished fifth with 211,605 votes or 5.0 percent, followed by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan with 191,844 votes or 4.5 percent, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa with 55,852 votes or 1.3 percent.
Hilton received President Trump’s endorsement in April, providing a significant late boost to the former adviser to ex-British Prime Minister David Cameron. The Republican candidate has positioned himself as the sole change agent in the race, pitching non-partisan economic reforms including tax-free income up to $100,000, $3 gasoline, halved electric bills, and affordable housing.
Regarding a potential November showdown with Becerra, Hilton expressed confidence, characterizing his opponent as representing more of the same failed policies. He noted that 56 percent of Californians believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, according to recent polling.
Steyer poured more than $200 million of his personal fortune into the race in an attempt to secure the governor’s mansion, engaging in what has been described as a toxic battle with Becerra for Democratic and progressive support.
Hilton has focused his campaign on crime, homelessness, and the affordability crisis that have escalated under uninterrupted Democratic control since Arnold Schwarzenegger departed the governor’s office in 2011. Democrats have attempted to frame the election as a referendum on Trump following his endorsement of the Republican candidate.
The Becerra-Steyer clash turned bitter in recent weeks, with Becerra attacking Steyer over past financial connections to PG&E, while Steyer suggested Becerra could face charges related to a corruption scandal involving a former campaign account. The exchange prompted threats of legal action from Becerra’s team.
Becerra’s unexpected rise has been accompanied by signs of suspicious social media bot activity promoting his record, while Steyer generated headlines by paying influencers including “Foos Gone Wild” and “The Shade Room” to advance his message calling for higher taxes on billionaires.
Porter, previously considered a progressive favorite, has faded after leaked videos showed her berating staff and abruptly leaving a television interview. Mahan positioned himself as a moderate Silicon Valley mayor but appears to have achieved little despite burning through millions in donations from wealthy backers including billionaires Rick Caruso and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
With information from New York Post
