Best Platforms
Live Odds
Hilton projected to advance in race for California governor to face Becerra
Tight primary
California’s open primary produced a tight finish between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, with vote counting continuing after election night. Initial tallies had Hilton ahead at times, but later counts put Becerra in front in some reports, while Tom Steyer remained a possible spoiler for part of the count.
The key takeaway is that California’s vote-by-mail system delayed the final call, but the race consistently narrowed to the same two candidates. That made the primary more about which Democrat or Republican could survive the count than about a decisive early lead.
Why it matters
Becerra’s path to the runoff matters because it leaves Democrats with a standard-bearer in a state they are expected to defend, while Hilton gives Republicans a credible shot in a high-profile statewide race. The final pairing also reflects California’s top-two primary system, which can advance two candidates of the same party in some cycles, but did not do so here.
The race has broader significance because the governor will inherit major fights over housing, homelessness, water, and the state’s massive economy. Those issues are likely to dominate the general election as both campaigns try to define the race early.
Next phase
The next major step is the November general election, where the campaign will likely sharpen around cost of living, public safety, and leadership style. Early polling and endorsements may matter, but the final vote will depend on turnout in a state with long ballot-counting windows and a diverse electorate.
If counts continue to shift in post-primary coverage, the headline takeaway is still stable: Becerra and Hilton appear to be the governor finalists. The general election campaign is now the real contest.