Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton advanced to the general election in California’s race for governor, ending months of uncertainty in one of the nation’s most closely watched statewide contests.
California’s top-two primary system sends the two highest vote-getters to the November ballot regardless of party affiliation. After days of vote counting, Becerra secured the leading position while Hilton held onto second place, earning a spot in the general election.
The outcome finalized the field to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek another term. Becerra entered the race with extensive statewide and national experience, having served as California attorney general and U.S. secretary of health and human services.
Hilton, a former Fox News host and political adviser, emerged as the leading Republican candidate in a crowded field. The result gives voters a clear ideological contrast heading into the general election and sets up a contest that will draw national attention despite California’s strong Democratic lean.
Steve Hilton's Populist Surge Energizes California Republicans
Hilton’s advancement represented one of the biggest surprises of the primary campaign.
The British-born commentator, who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, built his campaign around promises to reduce regulations, lower government spending and address affordability concerns across California. He got a boost to his campaign from the endorsement of President Donald Trump, helping him shore up support from Republicans.
Hilton billed himself as a political outsider who could shake up the political establishment in Sacramento and said California’s government had failed to deal with long-standing problems including the cost of housing, homelessness and economic opportunity.
His strong showing exceeded expectations in a state where Republicans have struggled in statewide elections for years. Although California remains heavily Democratic, Hilton’s ability to secure a place on the November ballot gives Republicans a candidate capable of generating national attention and energizing conservative voters.
His rise is seen as a significant win by political observers, even if Democrats are still favored in the general election.
Xavier Becerra Consolidates Labor, Latino, and Democratic Base
Becerra emerged from a crowded field of Democrats that included a number of high-profile candidates seeking support across the state. His victory established him as the party’s clear standard-bearer heading into November.
Throughout the campaign, Becerra emphasized his experience in state and federal government and promoted policies focused on healthcare, housing affordability, clean energy and economic opportunity. He also highlighted his record of challenging Trump administration policies during his tenure as California attorney general.
Democratic strategists viewed his advancement as important because it avoided concerns that a divided Democratic vote could create an unpredictable outcome under California’s primary system.
Becerra’s statewide name recognition and long political resume helped him separate from competitors as ballots continued to be counted. He now enters the general election as the candidate representing a party that has dominated statewide elections in California for decades.
The contest will test whether Democratic advantages in voter registration and statewide support can once again translate into victory.
Key Campaign Battlegrounds: Cost of Living, Homelessness, and State Deficits
Attention now turns to the November election, where voters will choose a successor to Newsom and decide which vision will guide the state’s future.
California faces significant challenges including housing shortages, homelessness, water management concerns, public safety debates and economic pressures affecting millions of residents.
Hilton has promised sweeping reforms that would cut regulation and change state government, while Becerra has called for continued investment in public programs and progressive policy goals.
The contest is nationally significant, too, as California is still the nation’s largest state economy and often acts as a testing ground for policies that reverberate across the country.
Democrats still hold a significant lead, but Republicans see Hilton's rise as a chance to offer a different vision to voters who are unhappy with the status quo.
The next few months will likely be a hard-fought campaign as the two candidates try to set the state’s course.
