GOP's Steve Hilton advances to face Becerra in California gubernatorial race: AP

The race call comes one week after the primary election, which saw former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra place first.

Published: June 9, 2026 7:55pm

Republican Steve Hilton has advanced to the November general election for California governor after placing second in the state's jungle primary, the Associated Press projected on Tuesday.

The race call comes one week after the primary election, which saw former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra place first.

President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton over fellow Republican Chad Bianco. Democrats fielded several candidates, including Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., and billionaire Tom Steyer.

As of press time, Hilton earned 25.0% of the vote to Becerra's 27.9%. Steyer placed third with 22.6%.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.

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