Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra to Face off for California Governor

The Associated Press has projected Republican Steve Hilton will advance to California’s general election for governor, setting up a November matchup against Democrat Xavier Becerra after voters narrowed a crowded field in the state’s all-party primary.

With 88% of the estimated vote counted Tuesday, Becerra led the field with 2,327,363 votes, or 27.9%, while Hilton secured the second spot with 2,077,310 votes, or 24.9%.

Under California’s top-two primary system, the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

The race for the second spot tightened as votes were counted, but Hilton built a large enough advantage for The Associated Press to determine that no remaining candidate could overtake him.

Former businessman Tom Steyer finished third with 1,883,773 votes, or 22.6%. Republican Chad Bianco was fourth at 10.1%, followed by Democrat Katie Porter at 4.4%. Several other candidates trailed in single digits.

No Evidence of ‘Rigged’ California Elections: Hilton

In an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Hilton broke from President Trump and other Republicans claiming without evidence that California elections are “rigged” for Democrats.

“We’ve been very vigilant … we’ve seen nothing that would give us cause to intervene,” Hilton said Monday.

Republican Steve Hilton breaks with Trump’s baseless claims of a “rigged” election in California: “We’ve been very vigilant… we’ve seen nothing that would give us cause to intervene.” pic.twitter.com/oOWsH2UWCP

— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) June 9, 2026

Issues in the November Race: Housing, Crime, Homelessness

Becerra, a former U.S. health secretary and longtime Democratic officeholder, entered the primary as one of the best-known candidates in the field. Hilton, a former television commentator and political adviser, emerged as the leading Republican contender and received Trump’s endorsement in a race that drew candidates from both major parties.

The November contest is expected to focus on issues including housing affordability, crime, homelessness and the state’s economic outlook as Democrats seek to maintain control of the governor’s office and Republicans look for a statewide breakthrough.

As of the AP call, Becerra held a roughly three-point lead over Hilton in the primary vote, though both candidates had already secured spots on the general election ballot. Election officials are expected to continue counting remaining ballots in the days ahead.

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