Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra will face each other in November's California governor's race after emerging from a crowded primary field, the Associated Press confirmed.
With 91% of the vote counted as of Tuesday evening, Becerra held a narrow lead at 27.9%, while Hilton secured second place with 25%. The state's top-two primary system advances only the highest vote-getters regardless of party affiliation, setting up a general election matchup in heavily Democratic California.
The race to replace termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom saw dramatic shifts as mail ballots postmarked by Election Day continued trickling in throughout the week. Hilton had built an apparent commanding lead on election night, but that advantage eroded as counting progressed. Despite the narrowing margin, he held his position well enough to advance.
The primary process was contentious from the start. Fifty-one candidates competed for the job, with eight prominent Democrats initially vying for their party's top spot. Democrat Eric Swalwell, a congressman and early front-runner, dropped out in April facing allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct, which he denies. Fellow Democrat Betty Yee followed him out of the race shortly after.
Political observers had signaled concern about the race's energy levels well before those exits. Republican strategist Mike Madrid told Axios in April that the Democratic field lacked excitement and rising stars, suggesting a party out of practice with genuine internal debates.
Other candidates who failed to advance included billionaire Tom Steyer, Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Hilton, a Fox News host, enters the general election as an underdog in a state where Democrats hold nearly half of all voter registrations. He has staked out several conservative positions. He plans to use state law enforcement to clear homeless encampments, supports offshore drilling along California's coast and proposes moving to a flat 7.5% tax rate to boost business retention and growth. Becerra did not respond to requests for comment on his platform.
Author James Rodriguez: "Hilton is running against the grain in California, but the mail-in counting delays and Becerra's relatively modest vote share suggest this could get competitive if Republicans turn out."
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