California Governor Primary Too Close to Call as Hilton Leads Early Returns

Early returns in California's open primary for governor showed Republican Steve Hilton ahead of Democrat Xavier Becerra late Tuesday night, though the race remained too close to call with many ballots left to count. Hilton received 26.9 percent of the vote with nearly 1.2 million ballots tallied, while Becerra stood at 25.7 percent. Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer placed third at 19.8 percent.

Mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa conceded shortly after polls closed. Former congresswoman Katie Porter held 4.9 percent and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco received 11.2 percent. The top two candidates advance to the November general election under California's jungle primary rules.

“I think this state is ready for change, and tonight's results show that I think that we're not taking anything for granted.”

Hilton, a former Fox News host who received President Trump's endorsement in April, told supporters his platform of tax-free income up to $100,000, lower gas and electricity prices, and affordable housing could appeal across party lines. Becerra, a former Biden administration health secretary, addressed supporters in Los Angeles and framed his campaign as an underdog story.

He credited his immigrant parents' perseverance and said the race reflected California's capacity for success stories. Steyer, who spent more than $200 million of his own money, criticized billionaires and corporations for avoiding taxes and raising consumer prices.

He did not indicate he would exit the race.

California's slow mail-in vote counting means final results may not be known for days or weeks. Official certification is scheduled for July 10. Political science professor Thad Kousser of UC San Diego noted that remaining ballots are likely to favor Democrats and could shift the standings leftward.