California Governor Primary Tightens Between Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton

California’s June 2 top‑two primary for governor is producing one of the state’s most closely watched races in years. Early county results in Santa Clara County listed former Attorney General Xavier Becerra in the lead with 29.27% of the vote, followed by Republican Steve Hilton (22.61%) and Democrat Tom Steyer (20.64%). Statewide, preliminary counts after about 55% of the 4.8 million ballots were tallied show Hilton holding a narrow edge, while Becerra and Steyer have narrowed the gap as mail‑in ballots – which tend to favor Democrats – continue to be processed.

Because California counts millions of mail and provisional ballots over several weeks, officials expect the final tallies to be reported through early July, with a July 2 deadline for certification. The race is regarded as pivotal for the Democratic Party nationally, given the governor’s role in a state that dominates the federal electorate and faces high‑cost‑of‑living, energy, and budget challenges. Becerra, a former U.S. health secretary, and Hilton, a Trump‑endorsed former Fox News host, are positioning themselves as contrasting alternatives on taxes, regulation, and climate policy, while billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer remains in contention for a top‑two spot.