Overview
- News organizations projected Tuesday that Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton finished as the top two vote‑getters in California’s all‑party primary after counties completed slow mail‑ballot counts.
- The slow tally reflects California rules that count ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive within seven days and the practice of processing mail ballots as they are received.
- Billionaire Tom Steyer conceded after finishing third despite spending more than $200 million on his campaign and urged his supporters to back Becerra.
- High‑profile endorsements quickly followed the projection, with Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris rallying Democrats to Becerra and President Trump credited with boosting Hilton’s GOP support.
- The general election will turn on turnout and messaging about housing, cost of living, public safety and health care as officials finish counts and move toward certification in July.