Steve Hilton leads California governor primary ahead of Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer

California held its gubernatorial primary on June 2, with former Fox presenter and British‑born adviser Steve Hilton, backed by former President Donald Trump, taking the lead at roughly 28 % of the vote. Close behind is former Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra, who posted around 25‑28 % support, while billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer garnered about 20‑22 %.

The primary determines the two candidates, regardless of party, who will face off in the November election to succeed term‑limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Other contenders include Republican Chad Bianco with roughly 11‑12 % of the vote.

Simultaneously, Los Angeles mayoral voters are deciding on the re‑election of incumbent Karen Bass, who trails closely behind reality‑TV figure Spencer Pratt and progressive councilmember Nithya Raman. Voter turnout remains low, with only about 13 % of the state's 23 million registered voters having submitted ballots at the time of reporting, amid concerns over gasoline prices and redistricting.

The outcomes will shape California’s political landscape ahead of the mid‑term elections, reflecting the influence of national figures such as Trump and Biden on state politics.