The race to become California’s next governor remained too close to call Tuesday night, but early results showed Republican Steve Hilton holding a strong position alongside Democrat Xavier Becerra in the battle to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Hilton, a former conservative commentator and Trump-endorsed candidate, emerged as one of the top vote-getters in the crowded field, with early returns showing him roughly tied with Becerra, a longtime Democratic politician who previously served in the Biden administration. If the results hold, both candidates would advance to the November general election under California’s top-two primary system.
Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer trailed in third place as votes continued to be counted across the state. Despite the early gap, Steyer urged supporters to remain patient and wait for the full statewide tally before drawing conclusions.
During election night remarks, Steyer criticized major corporations, including Chevron, PG&E, and the insurance industry, accusing them of contributing to California’s affordability crisis and manipulating the system at the expense of working families.
For many voters, however, the early success of Hilton reflected growing frustration with the direction of the state after years of one-party Democratic control. California continues to face challenges related to housing costs, public safety, homelessness, and the rising cost of living—issues that have increasingly become central concerns for residents across the political spectrum.
Hilton’s strong performance is particularly notable given President Donald Trump’s endorsement, which energized conservative voters and helped elevate his campaign in the final stretch of the race. The results suggest that Republican voters turned out with enthusiasm despite operating in one of the nation's most heavily Democratic states.
Under California’s unique election system, only the top two candidates advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. That structure has often created concerns among Republicans about being excluded from statewide contests altogether, making Hilton’s early lead especially significant for conservatives.
While millions of ballots still remain to be counted, Republicans are encouraged by the initial results and the possibility of sending a strong conservative candidate into the November showdown. For supporters of Hilton, Tuesday night represents more than just an election—it is a sign that many Californians may be looking for a different path forward.
As counting continues, all eyes remain on California, where the fight for the governor’s mansion is far from over but where conservatives have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the road ahead.
