Overview
- Media outlets have declared Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton the two finalists for governor and campaigns are pivoting to the November general election while counties finish and certify the primary count.
- California’s all‑candidate primary and its process of counting mailed ballots in the order received delayed the outcome for days because many Democratic voters returned ballots late.
- Billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent about $215 million in the primary, conceded after falling short of second place and urged his supporters to rally behind Becerra.
- The nominees offer clear policy contrasts: Hilton proposes large tax cuts, a loan program for first‑time homebuyers and tuition freezes, while Becerra says he would use emergency powers to tackle housing, energy and insurance costs.
- Republicans make up roughly one quarter of registered voters versus about 45% for Democrats, which makes a Republican win a steep uphill climb and frames the race as both a test of GOP outreach and of how national endorsements and big spending affect turnout.