Initial findings from the election to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom indicate that Republican Steve Hilton is leading the pack.
Former Fox News host Hilton positioned himself well on election night, showing potential for breaking the Democratic stronghold in predominantly blue California. However, with just 10.1% of precincts reporting, it’s too early to say definitively how voters are leaning.
Hilton garnered 175,423 votes, accounting for 29.1%, while Democrat Xavier Becerra follows with 147,263 votes, or 24.4%, as reported by the Secretary of State’s Office.
In the mix, billionaire Tom Steyer placed third with 101,512 votes (16.8%), edging out Republican Chad Bianco, who received 92,654 votes (15.4%).
Former Congresswoman Katie Porter was far behind the leaders with only 25,292 votes (4.2%), followed by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan with 22,801 votes (3.8%), and Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa trailing with 6,015 votes (1.0%).
The two candidates with the highest votes in this “jungle primary” will move on to the general election in November, independent of party affiliation.
Hilton gained an endorsement from President Trump back in April, likely giving him a significant boost among MAGA supporters.
Steyer, advocating for progressive causes, has invested over $200 million in his bid for the governorship and finds himself in a competitive tussle with Becerra, a former Biden administration official, for support from the Democratic base.
This endorsement has also energized Democrats, as they view these midterm elections as a measure of President Trump’s influence.
Hilton has attributed rising crime rates, homelessness, and housing issues in California to the Democratic leadership since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure ended in 2011.
Whether the upcoming gubernatorial race turns into a referendum on Democratic governance remains to be seen, as it may also serve as a gauge for the influence of wealthier progressives versus the Democratic establishment.
Becerra criticized Steyer for his financial connections to PG&E, referencing the utility’s opposition efforts against him, while Steyer countered with insinuations about Becerra’s potential involvement in a corruption scandal.
Once a rising star in progressive circles, Porter’s support has declined following the emergence of damaging videos depicting questionable behavior. Meanwhile, Mahan is striving to present himself as a moderate candidate amid a field filled with celebrity names and affluent participants, leading to considerable expenditure by wealthy contributors.
Interest in the governor’s race spiked after former Representative Eric Swalwell, embroiled in serious allegations he denies, withdrew from the race, opening space for Becerra to seize the opportunity.
California’s slow vote counting procedures make it likely that final results could extend into Tuesday night, with mail-in ballots often delaying official announcements until July 3, and certification not expected until July 10. Last month, Newsom urged counties to expedite the ballot counting process as much as possible.
Becerra’s recent ascent has surprised many, but there’s emerging evidence suggesting he’s gaining traction, aided by activated social media accounts supporting his steady record.
The bizarre headlines emerging from Steyer’s campaign, which included paying influencers to promote an ambitious taxation initiative targeting billionaires, have raised eyebrows.
More results are anticipated later tonight, so be sure to check back for updates.
