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Republican Steve Hilton secured the second spot in California’s gubernatorial primary Monday night, setting up a November general election matchup against Democrat Xavier Becerra.
With roughly 84 percent of votes counted, Becerra led the field with 27.7 percent support, while Hilton held 25.2 percent, according to results projected by Decision Desk HQ. Hilton, who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, led third-place finisher Tom Steyer by nearly three percentage points.
The outcome took several days to finalize because of California’s extended ballot-counting procedures. Under state law, ballots mailed by Election Day can still be counted if they arrive within seven days, contributing to prolonged vote tabulation.
California’s top-two primary system advances the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Hilton’s showing marked one of the strongest statewide performances for a Republican candidate in California in recent years. His campaign focused heavily on affordability concerns, homelessness, public safety and the state’s business climate, arguing that California residents are increasingly frustrated with rising living costs and governance issues.
President Trump also celebrated Hilton’s projected win with a post to Truth Social, stating, “Steve Hilton advances!” The post features the president’s image alongside Hilton’s as part of the endorsement.
Despite Hilton’s advance, Democrats continue to hold a substantial voter-registration advantage statewide, making the general election a challenge for Republicans.
Hilton blasted the California election count that has taken days to determine the winners.
“This is an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. California’s election machine is a slow-motion disaster, deliberately dragging out vote counts for 35 DAYS while the rest of the world tallies hundreds of millions in hours. Enough with this disastrous system—universal mail-in chaos is killing election integrity and transparency,” he wrote on X.
Political observers have noted that primary election results in California do not always predict November outcomes, particularly in a heavily Democratic state. Still, Hilton’s finish suggested broader voter dissatisfaction that could shape the gubernatorial campaign in the months ahead.