Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has advanced to the general election in the California gubernatorial race, where he will face former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, according to an NBC News projection. The two candidates emerged from a crowded primary field where, under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation.
The Election Results and Vote Counting
With 88% of the expected vote counted one week after polls closed, Becerra, a Democrat, secured approximately 28% of the support, while Hilton, a Republican, followed with 25%. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer finished third with roughly 23% of the vote, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, was the only other candidate to reach double digits, capturing 10%.
The final tally remains incomplete due to California’s reliance on mail-in ballots, which require longer processing times. State law permits the counting of ballots postmarked by election day as long as they are received within one week afterward. This extended counting period has served as a focal point for unfounded claims of a “rigged” election from President Donald Trump and several Republican figures.
Did You Know?
Steve Hilton, a U.S. citizen since 2021, previously served as an aide to former United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron before moving into American media and politics.
Political Implications and Campaign Context
Hilton enters the November general election as a significant underdog in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by a ratio of nearly 2-to-1. California has not elected a Republican governor in two decades, and the state voted against Donald Trump by a 20-point margin in the 2024 election. Hilton’s path to the general election was bolstered after receiving an endorsement from Trump in April, which helped him consolidate Republican support.
The Democratic side of the primary was marked by volatility. Following the abrupt exit of former Rep. Eric Swalwell—who dropped out in April amid denied sexual assault and misconduct allegations—Becerra’s campaign saw a surge in support. Meanwhile, Tom Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, utilized his personal wealth to influence the race, spending over $215 million of his own money on his campaign. Steyer has now spent more than half a billion dollars on unsuccessful political bids, including a 2020 presidential run that yielded no delegates despite a $300 million expenditure.
Expert Insight:
The contest underscores a stark divide in campaign strategy and political background. While Hilton leans on his media profile to frame Democrats as responsible for 16 years of one-party rule, Becerra is positioning his experience as a former attorney general and cabinet secretary as a necessary credential for managing a state budget of California’s size. The neutral stance of term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom leaves the Democratic party to define its own path forward without the influence of the current administration.
What Happens Next
The general election is likely to center on the clashing professional backgrounds of the two candidates. During primary debates, Hilton criticized Becerra for his 36-year tenure as a career politician, blaming him for the state’s ongoing problems. Becerra, conversely, challenged Hilton’s qualifications, questioning what a “Fox News talking head” understands about the practical realities of government operations. Voters can expect these themes to dominate the discourse leading up to the November election.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the top two candidates selected in California?
California utilizes a primary system where all candidates appear on a single ballot, and the two individuals who receive the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation.
Why does vote counting take so long in California?
The state relies heavily on mail-in ballots, which take longer to process, and accepts ballots postmarked by election day as long as they arrive within the following week.
What was the result of the Republican primary effort?
Steve Hilton secured a spot in the general election following an April endorsement from Donald Trump. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco also ran but finished with 10% of the vote.
How will the candidates’ differing backgrounds influence your perspective on the upcoming election?
