Conservative commentator Steve Hilton is projected to advance out of California’s top-two gubernatorial “jungle” primary to compete against former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, setting up a faceoff between a longtime Democratic official and President Donald Trump’s pick for the job. Becerra, who ran a campaign focused on his government experience, was already projected Friday evening to advance to the general election. He’s served as the state’s attorney general, a U.S. representative and a member of former President Joe Biden’s Cabinet. He leaned
heavily on this track record in the primary, citing his prior efforts suing the Trump administration during the president’s first term. Hilton, meanwhile, established himself as a Fox News pundit and previously worked as an adviser for conservative U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron. He was endorsed by Trump earlier this year and has committed to working with the president on a slew of issues, including immigration enforcement. Given the state’s Democratic lean, Becerra is widely seen as having the advantage going into the general election.
Hilton was ultimately able to edge out billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer, who ran as a progressive candidate trying to take on the status quo. The outcome follows a tumultuous and crowded primary that saw former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a high-profile Democratic candidate, drop out of the race after he faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) also fielded scrutiny after viral videos raised questions about her temperament and treatment of staff. For months, Democrats struggled to
unite behind a candidate, prompting fears that Republicans could even lock the party’s candidates out of the final ballot. Whoever wins the election this fall will succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), a prominent antagonist of Trump. Newsom wasn’t able to run again after serving two terms as governor. Due to California’s size and economic contributions, the state’s governor has often wielded significant national influence.
Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, California governor race, top-two jungle primary, Donald Trump, immigration enforcement, Gavin Newsom, Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer
Hilton vs Becerra?? California really gonna do this again lol.
So is Becerra just gonna sue everybody again? That part sounded like the whole campaign. Meanwhile Hilton’s trying to do immigration enforcement like that’s the only issue.
People keep saying Becerra has the advantage cause Democrats lean, but what if the jungle primary messes it up? Also I saw Katie Porter stuff trending so now I’m like… is California voting on vibes or what. I didn’t even know Newsom couldn’t run again until this.
This whole thing is wild. Eric Swalwell dropping out (allegations denied, sure) and then Porter’s temperament videos… and Democrats still can’t agree? Then Republicans basically benefit anyway. I saw Tom Steyer’s name and thought it was a climate thing but apparently it’s more like trying to beat “status quo”??? idk. Also Gavin Newsom being like Trump’s enemy doesn’t surprise me.