Steve Hilton Announces Candidacy for California Governor
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has officially entered the race for California governor, gearing up for a showdown against Xavier Becerra, the state’s former Health and Human Services Secretary, according to NBC News.
Primary Results Highlight Competitive Landscape
Hilton, representing the Republican Party, has successfully navigated a crowded primary where candidates from all parties faced off on the same ballot. The top two vote-getters have advanced to the general election, with NBC News recently forecasting that Becerra, a Democrat, would be among them.
Vote Counting Progress and Current Approval Ratings
As of a week after voting closed, approximately 88% of expected ballots had been counted. Becerra’s approval stood at around 28%, while Hilton trailed closely with 25%. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer captured about 23% of the votes, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the only other candidate to break into double digits, garnered roughly 10%.
Mail-in Ballots Contribute to Lengthy Counting Process
California’s reliance on mail-in ballots has contributed to a protracted counting process, which can extend several weeks. Voters utilizing mail-in ballots must ensure their submissions are postmarked by Election Day and received within a week after to be counted. This slow pace has fueled unfounded claims by former President Donald Trump and certain Republicans alleging a fraudulent election process in California.
Political Disadvantages and Historical Context for Hilton
As Hilton prepares for the November election, he faces steep challenges in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly two to one. Historically, California voters have not elected a Republican governor in two decades, and Trump lost the state by a significant 20-point margin in 2024.
Background of Candidates and Campaign Strategies
Born in the United Kingdom, Hilton once served as an aide to then-Prime Minister David Cameron before obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2021. His campaign received a boost with President Trump’s endorsement in April, consolidating Republican support around him. Becerra, a seasoned politician, has steadily risen in the polls after initially struggling due to a crowded candidate field.
Shifting Dynamics and Fundraising in the Race
The race dynamics shifted dramatically when former Congressman Eric Swalwell withdrew following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. This breach allowed Becerra, previously languishing in lower poll numbers, to quickly ascend as a front-runner. Meanwhile, Steyer has run a progressive campaign centered on single-payer healthcare, channeling over $215 million of his own funds into his bid, a substantial investment that has earned him extensive media coverage.
Anticipated Hostility in Upcoming Debates
Tensions between Becerra and Hilton simmered during recent debates, offering a glimpse into the potential confrontational style that might characterize the general election. Hilton criticized Becerra’s long-standing political presence, stating, “Some Democrats on stage talk as if we’ve been in a parallel universe where Democrats haven’t dominated the state for the past 16 years.” Conversely, Becerra took a jab at Hilton’s lack of government experience, questioning his knowledge of California’s operational complexities.
