Steve Hilton Advances to California Governor General Election; Tom Steyer Eliminated in Primary
Republican Steve Hilton secured the second spot in California's gubernatorial general election after the state finished counting ballots, eliminating billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer from the race. Hilton, endorsed by President Trump, finished second behind Democrat Xavier Becerra in the state's top-two primary system. The result ensures a Republican will appear on the November ballot, addressing GOP concerns about potential voter suppression from a Democratic-only general election.
With 84% of votes counted, Xavier Becerra led at 27.6%, followed by Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton at 25.1%, and Tom Steyer at 22.4%. Decision Desk HQ projected Hilton's victory on June 9, 2026, effectively ending Steyer's campaign after he invested over $200 million of his own money. The California gubernatorial primary was marked by significant controversies, including a viral video of former Rep. Katie Porter berating staff and sexual harassment allegations against former Congressman Eric Swalwell that forced him to resign. Democratic voters consolidated behind Becerra as a stabilizing alternative after the Swalwell scandal. Political analysts noted that having a Republican on the general election ballot was important to prevent GOP voter suppression, and the Cook Political Report rates the general election as solidly Democratic.
What's missing
The article does not provide the specific date of the primary election itself, only the projection date of June 9, 2026. Additionally, while the article mentions Becerra's first-place finish, it does not detail his policy positions or background beyond his title as former HHS Secretary.
What different sources said
- Daily WireRight
Trump-Backed Steve Hilton Knocks Billionaire Tom Steyer Out of Cali Governor’s Race
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