California governor primary too close to call as vote counting continues
7 verified5 unconfirmed3 contested
California’s primary election for governor remains uncalled as ballot counting continues, with three leading candidates competing for two spots in the November general election under the state’s top-two primary system. Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton, and Democratic billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer are the top contenders. The race was reshaped in April when then-congressman Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress after sexual assault allegations, a development that gave Becerra a boost. Hilton, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has campaigned on reducing the state’s high cost of living. The winner will succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Voter frustration with the cost of living, homelessness, and other issues has been a central theme of the campaign.
What’s verified
The California gubernatorial primary uses a top-two system where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party.
Republican Steve Hilton is a former Fox News host who served as a political adviser to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. He became a U.S. citizen in 2021.
Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra served as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden and previously as California Attorney General and a U.S. representative.
Democratic candidate Tom Steyer is a billionaire former hedge fund manager and environmental activist who has spent heavily on his campaign.
In April, then-congressman Eric Swalwell ended his campaign and resigned from Congress following allegations of sexual assault, which he denied. His exit helped boost Becerra’s candidacy.
Trump endorsed Hilton in April, helping him pull ahead of fellow Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
An all-Democratic November ballot was a concern for some, as Democrats feared a crowded field could allow two Republicans to advance.
Where accounts differ
The amount Steyer spent on his campaign is reported differently: one source states more than $213 million, while another states $200 million.
Some sources describe Trump’s support for Hilton as an endorsement, while another source describes it as a “nod of approval” that may not be a formal endorsement.
No other major conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
Specific poll numbers showing 70% of registered voters saying the cost of living is “unmanageable” and only 7% believing the “California Dream” is attainable appear in a single source.
The claim that candidates Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa all acknowledged they would not become governor comes from one source.
The exact number of votes Hilton has received so far (over 1 million, per a speech at his watch party) is reported by one source.
The percentage of ballots returned by mail before Election Day (15%) is reported by one source.
It remains unclear when final results will be known, as California allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive days later.
Key figures
Gavin Newsom, Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Chad Bianco, Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond, Donald Trump, David Cameron, Karen Bass, Nithya Raman, Spencer Pratt
Sources: CBS News, NPR, vox.com, abcnews.com
