Republican media personality Steve Hilton is expected to move forward to the November 3 general election after the June 2 open primary, according to US media reports on Tuesday
The projected result came after additional vote counts confirmed Hilton and Becerra maintained leads over a crowded field of contenders. Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, who had remained within striking distance in third place, was ultimately unable to close the gap.
Becerra led the race with 27.9 percent of the vote, while Hilton followed with 24.9 percent, according to results reported by the Associated Press. Steyer finished third with 22.6 percent.
California’s election system allows all candidates, regardless of political affiliation, to appear on the same ballot, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election.
The state’s lengthy vote-counting process delayed confirmation of the finalists, as mail-in ballots remain valid if postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days afterward. Election officials also have several weeks to verify and certify results.
The winner of the November election will succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom and assume leadership of California, home to a $4 trillion economy and facing challenges including housing affordability, homelessness and water management.
Becerra, a former California attorney general and congressman from Los Angeles, previously served as US Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden. A victory in November would make him the first Latino elected governor of the state.
Hilton, a British-born political commentator and former Fox News host, became a US citizen in 2021. He previously served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron and received the endorsement of President Donald Trump during the campaign.
Steyer, a billionaire investor who spent heavily on the race, campaigned on progressive policies and proposed higher taxes on the wealthiest residents, including himself.
Republicans have not won a statewide office in California since former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s term ended in 2011, making Hilton’s campaign one of the party’s most important chances in years.
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