Xavier Becerra, the former state attorney general and a Democrat, and Steve Hilton, a Republican and ex-Fox News host backed by President Trump, are projected to move on to the general election for California governor, according to Decision Desk HQ. The top-two primary system in the state ensured that the two highest vote-getters, regardless of party, would advance.
Becerra surged to the front of the Democratic pack after Representative Eric Swalwell exited the race amid sexual misconduct allegations he denies. With roughly 84 percent of votes counted, Becerra pulled in 27.66 percent, while Hilton secured 25.10 percent.
Hilton consolidated GOP support thanks to Trump's endorsement, while Democrats remained fragmented among a wide field until the final stretch. The crowded Democratic primary raised fears that two Republicans could advance in the heavily blue state, but Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco fell short as Democrats rallied behind Becerra.
Billionaire Tom Steyer, another prominent Democrat, also failed to break into the top two, highlighting the strength of Becerra's statewide name recognition and his appeal to Latino voters, a key demographic in California. Becerra could become the state's first Latino governor in over a century.
Hilton, a former adviser to the British Conservative Party, remains a relatively unknown figure in California politics. He has framed his campaign as a call for change in the Democratic stronghold, but the seat is widely expected to stay in Democratic hands. The Cook Political Report rates the general election as solidly Democratic.
The race now turns to November, when Becerra and Hilton will compete to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. It is unclear whether Newsom or other top Democrats, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, will actively campaign for Becerra now that the field is set. Meanwhile, national dynamics continue to shape California politics, as seen in recent developments like Trump's push for a voter ID bill and the ongoing debate over federal energy policy, including a judge blocking efforts to curb wind and solar tax credits.
California, home to the fourth-largest economy in the world, faces significant challenges including housing affordability, homelessness, and wildfire prevention. Both candidates will need to address these issues as they campaign across the state.
