California's primary election for governor is witnessing a lead by two candidates: Steve Hilton, a Republican television commentator, and Xavier Becerra, a former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, representing the Democratic Party.
According to official results, with over 76% of precincts reporting, Hilton leads with 26.9% of the vote, equivalent to more than 1.1 million votes. Becerra is second with 25.7%, trailing his opponent by approximately 49,000 votes. These two candidates are expected to advance to the general election on November 3, opening the possibility of a Republican-Democrat showdown in the traditionally Democratic stronghold state.
California has not had a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger completed his second term in January 2011. The winner will succeed incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat) after he finishes his two-term limit, facing major challenges such as clean water access, housing affordability, and homelessness.
Becerra, former Secretary of Health and Human Services, former California Attorney General, and a former U.S. representative, would become the state's first Latino governor if elected. California's population is 40% Hispanic or Latino. In a speech on primary election night, Becerra said: "We are one step closer to having the son of hardworking immigrants, Maria and Manuel Becerra, become the next governor of the great state of California."
Hilton, born in England, is a former Fox News host and ex-adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021 and is endorsed by former President Donald Trump. "The first time I ran, over a million people voted for me despite my funny accent," Hilton told supporters.
In the race for Los Angeles mayor, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass (Democrat) leads, surpassing more than a dozen opponents. Bass faces a challenge from fellow Democrat Nithya Raman, who is in third place with 21% of the vote. Voters are urging the administration to focus on issues such as homelessness, affordability, and the aftermath of the 2025 wildfires.
California employs a unique primary format where candidates from all parties compete together, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. This differs from many other states where each party holds separate primaries before a direct face-off.
