Trump backed Steve Hilton advances to face Xavier Becerra
Trump
California
Hilton
TLDR: CALIFORNIAâSteve Hilton advances from Californiaâs June primary after a week of ballot counting, beating Tom Steyer to face Xavier Becerra in November.
Key Takeaways:
- Steve Hilton, a former David Cameron adviser and Fox News host, joins Californiaâs governor race to replace term limited Gavin Newsom.
- After one week of counting June 2 ballots, Hilton secured one of two nomination slots, edging out Tom Steyer to face Xavier Becerra.
- A Trump backed Republican bid could break a 15 year drought and intensify a record spending battle over immigration, climate, and costs.
- Other heavy hitters included Tom Steyer and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, with Silicon Valley and outside spending shaping the Democratic lane.
California is turning its political red and blue arguments into a high dollar boxing match, with Steve Hilton trying to import a UK style outsider energy. November now decides whether the stateâs Democrats keep control or whether Trump can pull off the rare comeback.
California is turning its political red and blue arguments into a high dollar boxing match, with Steve Hilton trying to import a UK style outsider energy. November now decides whether the stateâs Democrats keep control or whether Trump can pull off the rare comeback.
Q&A
How will Hilton try to sell a Republican pitch to a state that repeatedly votes Democratic for statewide offices?
He is positioning himself as different from the usual California GOP script, contrasting Democrats claim to winning with their own record while leaning on high profile national support.
What role does the slow California ballot count play in shaping campaign strategy after the primary?
The late clarity compresses fundraising and message testing, forcing both camps to pivot quickly toward November while late spenders react to who actually advanced.
Why does Xavier Becerraâs health and attorney general history matter beyond resume optics?
It gives him a practical governing frame for insurance, utilities, and enforcement priorities, which he can connect to cost of living instead of only culture war themes.
What happens if record spending fails to convert into votes for either side?
High ad burn without turnout gains can backfire, pushing campaigns to shift dollars toward field organizing, ballot access, and persuasion in specific counties.
Could the GOP break the 15 year gap in part because of internal pressure on California Democrats?
Yes, with the race reshaped by Eric Swalwellâs exit and factional funding dynamics, Democratic unity will be tested, especially if cost and policy fights with Washington stay in the spotlight.
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