UMVA has learned that Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra are emerging as frontrunners in the California gubernatorial election, with unofficial early returns on Wednesday morning indicating they are poised to advance to the November general election.
The two candidates are vying to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has steered the nation's most populous state and one of the world’s largest economies. Hilton, a one-time British political strategist turned American conservative commentator, is backed by President Donald Trump, while Becerra, a former California attorney general, later served as a Cabinet secretary in President Biden's administration.
"Change is coming to California, and it's long overdue," Hilton declared to supporters at his primary night watch party in Orange County. He attributed his campaign's success to speaking "honest, simple truths" to voters, pledging to cut people's costs in a state where "everything is too expensive."
Becerra, who would make history as California's first Latino governor if elected in November, told supporters that his campaign's success is "more than a Hollywood ending. More than a milestone. That's the everyday miracle of living in a state that makes the improbable seem inevitable." He expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging they were crucial to his achievement.
In California's unique jungle primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election. This system led to a crowded field of 61 candidates, including billionaire hedge fund founder turned environmental activist Tom Steyer, who was in third place as results continued to be tabulated.
Steyer had shelled out over $200 million of his own money in his bid for governor, while more than $80 million in outside money has also been spent on the race. Other notable candidates included Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Hilton is hoping to become the first California Republican to win a gubernatorial election since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 re-election. He referenced Schwarzenegger in his speech, wearing a blazer with American and California flags, which Schwarzenegger had urged him to wear years ago.
The California gubernatorial race gained attention earlier this year when one of the leading candidates, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, dropped out of the race and resigned from Congress after facing multiple allegations of misconduct. This development opened the door for Becerra to rise in the polls and ultimately become a frontrunner.
