Overview
- Media projections on Tuesday showed Democrat Xavier Becerra leading the June 2 primary with about 27.9% and Republican Steve Hilton in second with roughly 24.9%, putting them on track to be the top-two finalists for the November general election.
- California’s open “top‑two” primary advances the two highest vote‑getters regardless of party, and officials can take weeks to count mail ballots with state certification due by July 10.
- President Donald Trump’s April endorsement helped consolidate Republican voters behind Hilton and kept him ahead of late gains by other GOP and independent candidates.
- Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, who spent more than $200 million on the race, finished third with roughly 22–23% and did not advance despite late mail‑ballot surges.
- Hilton enters November as a longshot because registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by millions in California, so the coming months will focus on policy contrasts, turnout strategies and how late ballots shift final margins.