The race to replace California’s term-limited governor tightened in early returns as Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra emerged ahead, positioning themselves to meet in the November general election. The jungle primary dynamics, big-money spending, and high-profile exits reshaped a crowded field, while endorsements and controversies shifted momentum. Voters are watching a contest that could reshape policy debates in the nation’s largest state.
Early tallies showed Hilton and Becerra leading as officials continued to count ballots, with results not yet certified. That uncertainty will linger until mail and provisional votes are fully processed, but the direction was unmistakable in the immediate returns. For Republicans, Hilton’s rise signals a real opening in a state that has been firmly blue for years.
Steve Hilton is a one-time British political strategist turned American conservative commentator who also hosted on cable news, and he has picked up a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump. His campaign leaned into straightforward messaging and economic concerns that resonate with voters feeling squeezed. Speaking to supporters, Hilton said “Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue.”
In a follow-up interview, Hilton credited plainly stated promises with energizing his base, insisting that speaking “honest, simple truths” won trust. He repeatedly framed the campaign around the cost of living, telling supporters that “Everything is too expensive in California. We’re going to cut people’s costs,” which became a central talking point on the stump. That focus on price relief and cutting burdens is aimed at voters across party lines who are tired of high taxes and rising everyday costs.
Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and a one-time Cabinet member, was in the top two as well and put a different spin on his advance. He cast his campaign as a symbolic milestone for a state with deep Latino roots, telling backers his success is “more than a Hollywood ending. More than a milestone. That’s the everyday miracle of living in a state that makes the improbable seem inevitable. And I couldn’t have done it without you.” His message leaned into inclusion and public service experience.
The jungle primary system in California means all candidates compete on a single ballot and the top two move on, which often produces duels that cross party lines. This time, the system amplified the roles of big donors and high-name recognition, compressing voter decisions into a crowded field. With so many options, a focused message and high-profile backing can vault a candidate into the finish line.
Tom Steyer, who poured more than $200 million of his own resources into the campaign, found himself trailing in third as ballots continued to be counted. His deep personal investment highlights how much cash can influence visibility, but it also shows limits when voters want different priorities. Outside spending topped eight figures, underscoring the race’s national profile and the money that flows into California politics.
More than sixty candidates appeared on the ballot, including figures from both major parties and a mix of local leaders and former members of Congress. Among the names were a mix of Republicans and Democrats who tried to carve out niches on crime, housing, and public safety. That breadth of choice made the primary a filter for ideas as much as personalities.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco had been an early contender for the Republican lane until the Trump endorsement of Hilton in April appeared to blunt his momentum. Campaign dynamics shifted quickly after that endorsement, and Bianco’s standing cooled as voters consolidated. Endorsements from national figures can be decisive in a crowded field, especially when Republican voters seek unity behind one nominee.
The contest also bore the mark of scandal and withdrawal, most notably when one of the early frontrunners exited amid serious accusations. Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out and then resigned from Congress after facing multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct that he continues to deny. That exit reopened space for other Democratic hopefuls and changed the calculus of who might capture the general election spotlight.
As ballots keep moving through the counting process, the top-two outcome will shape a fall election focused on cost, public safety, and governance for a state that influences national policy and the economy. For Republicans, Hilton’s showing represents a chance to challenge the established order in California, while Democrats see Becerra as a steady, experienced choice. The months ahead will test which message lands with a diverse electorate facing real everyday pressures.
