Trump-backed candidate Steve Hilton advances in California governor's race

June 10, 2026

Steve Hilton, a British-born former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and ex-Fox News host, has secured one of two spots in California's gubernatorial general election after a week of ballot counting from the June 2nd primary. He will face Xavier Becerra, a former Biden administration health secretary and California attorney general, in the November election to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Hilton, who has never held elected office, received President Trump's endorsement and is positioning himself as an agent of change against California's Democratic establishment.

Who is affected

Steve Hilton (Republican candidate advancing to general election)
Xavier Becerra (Democratic candidate advancing to general election)
Tom Steyer (billionaire climate activist edged out of the race)
Current Governor Gavin Newsom (term-limited, being replaced)
Eric Swalwell (Democratic Rep who dropped out in April)
California residents/voters
State employees and agencies under gubernatorial oversight
Latino population in California (approximately 41% of the state)

What action is being taken

Ballots from the June 2nd primary are being counted
Hilton and Becerra are battling/campaigning to become California's chief executive
The state is fighting the Trump administration over immigration and climate policies
Becerra is framing his campaign around his political experience
Trump is endorsing and backing Hilton

Why it matters

This election is significant because it will determine leadership of America's most populous state with a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of employees, and hundreds of agencies. The race represents a potential major political shift, as Hilton could become the first Republican governor in 15 years in a heavily liberal-leaning state. The election is also historic in representation terms, as Becerra could become California's first Latino governor since 1875 in a state where Latinos comprise 41% of the population. Additionally, the contest has become the most expensive California governor race on record.

What's next

Hilton and Becerra will spend the next few months battling in the general election
The general election will be held in November
The winner will be responsible for overseeing California's multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees, and hundreds of state agencies

Read full article from source: BBC