Gubernatorial Race in California Heats Up
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – In an unofficial count released Wednesday morning, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra emerged as frontrunners, seemingly set to advance to the California gubernatorial election in November. This election follows the term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tenure in the nation’s most populous state.
Hilton, a former British political strategist turned conservative commentator, has the backing of Donald Trump. Becerra, previously California’s attorney general and now a Cabinet member in President Biden’s administration, was ahead in the early tally as ballots continued to be counted.
“Change is coming to California, and it’s about time,” Hilton declared to a large gathering in Orange County. In a post-speech interview, he stressed the importance of being transparent with voters, saying, “Everything costs too much here. We’re going to cut costs for people.”
If Becerra wins in November, he would make history as California’s first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco, who held the position briefly in 1875. He described his campaign’s success as “more than just a landmark moment; it’s the miracle of living in a state where the improbable seems possible, and I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
California operates a unique primary system where all candidates, regardless of party, are listed on the same ballot. The top two candidates will move on to the general election, a setup often referred to as a jungle primary.
In this election, billionaire hedge fund manager turned environmentalist Tom Steyer, who previously ran for president in 2020, placed third. It looks like he put quite a bit of his own money—over $200 million—into the campaign.
Among the 61 candidates was Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, alongside former Democratic state Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Hilton aims to be the first Republican since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election in 2006 to claim the governor’s office. During his speech, he showcased a blazer lined with the American and California flags, something Schwarzenegger had once suggested he wear. “Arnold, I did it for you,” he remarked.
Despite some big names considering a run, like former Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Alex Padilla, both decided to sit this one out. This has led to, interestingly, a lack of a clear front-runner in the race, which is quite unusual for California.
The gubernatorial race had taken a backseat for a while, overshadowed by devastating wildfires and other pressing issues. However, it gained traction when Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading contender, withdrew amid serious allegations of misconduct—allegations he denies.
With Swalwell’s exit, Becerra and Steyer rose in public opinion. Steyer has certainly made his presence known in the election landscape, spending considerable amounts on advertising, supported by over $80 million in outside funding also flooding the race.
Bianco, who began his campaign last April, lost some momentum after Trump endorsed Hilton earlier this month.
