Republican Steve Hilton advances to general election in California governor's race, ABC projects
The Trump-backed Hilton will face Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra.
Republican Steve Hilton will advance to the November general election in the California governor's race, ABC News projects.
Hilton, who was backed by President Donald Trump, will face Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra, the former secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services during the Biden administration.
In a statement Tuesday, Hilton said "In the weeks ahead, we will lay out my plan in detail to make our state Califordable -- particularly for workers and small businesses. We will draw a powerful contrast with Xavier Becerra, who represents more of the same cost, incompetence, and corruption."
Trump endorsed Hilton, a former Fox News contributor and former adviser to former British prime minister David Cameron, in April, writing "People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!"
On the campaign trail, Hilton said he would address affordability by increasing oil and gas production to lower diesel costs, in addition to decreasing regulation to slash prices. He has also pledged to fight "corruption" in what he called the "homeless-industrial complex."
The Golden State has not had a Republican governor in 15 years, after former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.
Hilton's projected win comes after days of vote-counting following California's June 2 primary.
In recent days, Hilton has repeatedly slammed the state's ballot counting system, writing on X, "Nearly a week into California's election shambles. The world is laughing at our inability to count votes in a timely manner. Where is Gavin Newsom?"
Last week, Hilton called on the governor to establish an "Emergency Election Support Corps" to count ballots faster.
A spokesperson for Newsom responded to Hilton's complaints in a statement saying, "It's concerning that a candidate for Governor doesn't know the Governor has nothing to do with counting ballots."
The November match-up between Hilton and Becerra marks a defeat for Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, who had contributed at least $212 million to his bid, according to the California secretary of state's office.
In the most expensive governor's race on record, the California gubernatorial primary election has now seen $327.6 million on ad spending and reservations, per AdImpact. Steyer shouldered 63% of that total sum.
In a statement Tuesday, Steyer urged his supporters to back Becerra, the Democratic nominee.
"It would be a travesty for Steve Hilton to win the governorship, and Californians must unite behind Xavier Becerra to ensure he does not," Steyer said in the statement.
Newsom, the outgoing Democratic governor, who did not endorse a gubernatorial candidate up till now, issued a statement on X, writing "Now it's time for Democrats to unite and win in November. I'm proud to support Xavier as our nominee for Governor and look forward to helping ensure a smooth transition. He'll stand up to Donald Trump, defend our families, and keep California moving forward."
California hosts non-partisan primaries, which means all candidates are listed on one primary ballot and the top two candidates advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Related Topics
Popular Reads
ABC News Live