BY MIRABEL ODETA
Republican political commentator Steve Hilton and Democratic former cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra are set to face off in California’s gubernatorial election on November 3 after emerging as the top two candidates in the state’s primary election held on June 2.
The race remained too close to officially call on election night, as California’s vote-counting process includes a large number of mail-in ballots that can arrive days after Election Day, provided they are postmarked on time. As additional ballots were processed and verified, projections confirmed that Hilton and Becerra had secured the two spots available for the general election, eliminating Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer from contention.
Becerra finished in first place with 27.9% of the vote, while Hilton secured second place with 24.9%. Steyer followed closely behind with 22.6%, keeping his hopes alive for several days after the election before it became clear that he would not be able to overtake either candidate.
California’s election system differs from that of many other states. Under its “top-two” primary format, often referred to as a “jungle primary,” candidates from all political parties appear on the same ballot. The two candidates who receive the most votes advance to the general election regardless of their party affiliation. As a result, voters will now choose between a Democratic and Republican candidate in one of the most closely watched governor’s races in recent years.
The election carries significant national importance because the next governor will lead California, the most populous state in the United States and home to an economy worth approximately $4 trillion. The state’s economy ranks among the largest in the world, making the governor’s office one of the most influential political positions in the country.
Whoever wins in November will succeed Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is prevented from seeking another term due to term limits. The incoming administration will inherit a range of major challenges, including rising housing costs, persistent homelessness, water management concerns, public safety issues, and ongoing debates over taxation and economic growth.
Becerra enters the race with decades of public service experience. He previously served as California’s attorney general and represented Los Angeles in Congress before joining President Joe Biden’s administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services. His campaign has emphasized expanding economic opportunity, improving access to healthcare, and addressing affordability concerns facing California residents. If elected, Becerra would become the first Latino governor elected in California’s history, a significant milestone in a state where roughly 40% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Hilton, meanwhile, has positioned himself as a conservative alternative to Democratic leadership in Sacramento. Born in the United Kingdom, Hilton previously worked as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before moving into media and becoming a well-known television commentator in the United States. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and received the endorsement of President Donald Trump during his campaign. Hilton has campaigned on promises to reduce regulations, improve public safety, and make California more affordable for families and businesses.
Tom Steyer’s campaign drew considerable attention due to his personal financial investment in the race. The hedge fund billionaire, who previously spent hundreds of millions of dollars during his 2020 presidential campaign, invested heavily in his gubernatorial bid. Steyer sought to distinguish himself as a progressive reformer, advocating for higher taxes on billionaires and increased government investment in social programs. Despite his significant spending and name recognition, he ultimately fell short of securing a place in the general election.
The November contest will also test whether Republicans can regain statewide relevance in California. The party has struggled in statewide elections for more than a decade and has not held a statewide office since former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in January 2011. Hilton’s advancement to the general election provides Republicans with an opportunity to compete for one of the nation’s most prominent governorships, though Democrats continue to hold a strong advantage in voter registration.
As the campaign enters its next phase, both candidates are expected to focus on issues that directly affect Californians’ daily lives, including the cost of living, housing affordability, economic growth, education, and public infrastructure. With control of one of the world’s largest economies at stake, the race is expected to attract national attention and substantial campaign spending in the months leading up to Election Day.
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