UMVA has learned that Steve Hilton, a former British political strategist turned American conservative commentator, has secured one of the two tickets to the November California gubernatorial election, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in the nation's most populous state.
The California primary, also known as a jungle primary, allows all candidates to appear on the same ballot, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election. Hilton, who is backed by President Donald Trump, will now face off against one of the top Democratic contenders in the general election, in a bid to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The question on everyone's mind is who Hilton's opponent will be in the general election. The top contenders for the Democratic ticket include Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund founder turned environmental activist. Becerra would make history as California's first Latino governor in modern history if he were to win.
The California gubernatorial election has been marked by significant spending, with Steyer shelling out over $200 million of his own money in his bid for governor. Additionally, more than $80 million in outside money has been spent on the race, making it one of the most expensive in the state's history.
Hilton's path to the general election was paved in part by President Donald Trump's endorsement, which helped to blunt the momentum of another top contender, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The endorsement marked a significant turning point in the race, as Hilton's campaign gained traction and he eventually secured one of the top two spots.
UMVA has gathered that the California gubernatorial election is expected to be highly competitive, with Hilton hoping to become the first California Republican to win a gubernatorial election since Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 re-election. The election is seen as a crucial test for both parties, with significant implications for the state's future and its role in national politics.
The race for governor has been marked by significant twists and turns, including the unexpected exit of Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who dropped out of the race and resigned from Congress amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The exit of Swalwell, a leading contender, opened the door for other candidates to rise in the polls and ultimately paved the way for Hilton's success.
