Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has advanced to the general election in California’s gubernatorial race, where he will face Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services Secretary. After a crowded primary, Hilton, a Republican, secured about 25% of the vote, while Becerra garnered approximately 28%. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer followed with around 23%, and Republican Sheriff Chad Bianco received 10%. California’s vote counting may take weeks due to the reliance on mail-in ballots, with ballots postmarked by Election Day accepted for up to a week after. Hilton enters the November election as an underdog in a heavily Democratic state, which hasn’t elected a Republican governor in two decades, despite securing support from Trump earlier this year.
Why It Matters
The California gubernatorial race is significant as it highlights the ongoing political divide in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-to-1. Historical trends show that California has not elected a Republican governor since 2003, reflecting a long-standing Democratic dominance. The election will also serve as a measure of voter sentiment against the backdrop of national political issues, especially with past controversies surrounding mail-in voting fueling claims of electoral fraud. Hilton’s rise to prominence follows significant endorsements and shifts in the primary landscape, underscoring the evolving dynamics of California’s political environment.
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