Steve Hilton: Now or Never for California Ahead of Governor Race

Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton is urging California voters not to become complacent as the state heads into a critical primary election Tuesday that could determine whether the GOP has any chance of reclaiming the governor’s mansion after years of Democratic control.

According to New York Post, Hilton told reporters Monday that he remains confident but warned supporters that an all-Democrat runoff remains a real possibility under California’s unusual primary system.

It’s now or never for California — don’t let this chance for change slip away, Hilton stated, encouraging voters who have already cast ballots to mobilize their friends and family.

The Republican candidate received a major boost Monday night when President Donald Trump issued his complete and total endorsement of Hilton, whom he described as a man he has known and respected for many years.

Trump criticized outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democrats for destroying what was once America’s most prosperous state, pointing to mass exodus, rising crime rates, and the nation’s highest tax burden. The president pledged to work alongside Hilton to restore California to greatness if both men win their respective races.

Hilton, who previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, is attempting to unite Republican and independent voters in a crowded field vying to replace the term-limited Newsom. He has promised that his first act as governor would be launching a fraud investigation into Newsom.

California’s top-two primary system places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the November general election. This creates the risk that two Democrats could advance, shutting Republicans out entirely.

A recent California Post-McLaughlin Associates poll showed Hilton tied with progressive billionaire Tom Steyer at 25 percent support among likely primary voters. Democrat Xavier Becerra, who previously served as U.S. health secretary and California attorney general, trailed in third place at 19 percent.

Pollster Jim McLaughlin noted that Hilton’s support comes primarily from Republicans and independents, while Steyer and Becerra are splitting the Democratic vote. Democrats comprise approximately half of California’s electorate.

Hilton emphasized that voters are demanding action on the state’s crushing cost of living, rampant homelessness, rising crime, and bloated government bureaucracy. He plans to hold a rally Tuesday in Huntington Beach as part of his final push before polls close.

Newsom has not endorsed any candidate to succeed him when he terms out in January.

Hilton told supporters his campaign has significant momentum heading into Election Day but stressed the need to fight until the final vote is counted to ensure he secures one of the two runoff spots.

With information from New York Post