Trump-Endorsed Fox Host Advances to Face Biden Official in California Governor Race
Left says
- •Hilton's close relationship with Trump and echoing of his rhetoric on voter restrictions raises concerns about democratic norms and election integrity
- •Becerra brings extensive government experience including successfully suing the Trump administration and working to reduce prescription drug prices
- •California's Democratic-leaning electorate is likely to be skeptical of a Trump-endorsed candidate in the general election
- •Hilton has dodged questions about whether Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, undermining confidence in electoral processes
Right says
- •Becerra represents 16 years of failed Democratic governance that has brought chaos, high costs, and incompetence to California
- •As a 36-year career politician with no major accomplishments, Becerra embodies the corrupt establishment that panders to special interests
- •Hilton offers genuine change with concrete proposals like lower taxes, a flat 7.5% tax rate, and clearing illegal homeless encampments
- •California's prolonged vote counting process demonstrates the need for election reforms like voter ID requirements
Common Take
High Consensus- California faces significant challenges including homelessness, high costs of living, and concerns about government effectiveness
- The state's top-two primary system allows the highest vote-getters regardless of party to advance to the general election
- Vote counting in California takes over a week due to mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day still being counted
- Both candidates acknowledge California needs leadership that can address the state's pressing problems
The Arguments
Right argues
Becerra represents 16 years of failed Democratic governance that has brought chaos, high costs, and incompetence to California, with no major accomplishments despite being a 36-year career politician who panders to special interests.
Left counters
Becerra brings extensive government experience including successfully suing the Trump administration over 100 times as California's attorney general and working to reduce prescription drug prices as HHS Secretary, demonstrating concrete policy achievements.
Left argues
Hilton's close relationship with Trump and his echoing of Trump's rhetoric on voter restrictions, combined with his refusal to clearly state that Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, raises serious concerns about his commitment to democratic norms and election integrity.
Right counters
California's prolonged vote counting process that took over a week to determine winners demonstrates the urgent need for election reforms like voter ID requirements to restore confidence and efficiency in the electoral system.
Left argues
California's Democratic-leaning electorate, where nearly half of registered voters are Democrats and 58.5% voted against Trump in 2024, is likely to be deeply skeptical of a Trump-endorsed candidate in the general election.
Right counters
The fact that Hilton advanced despite California's Democratic lean shows genuine voter appetite for change from the current establishment, and his concrete proposals like a flat 7.5% tax rate and clearing illegal homeless encampments address real problems voters care about.
Right argues
Hilton offers genuine change with specific policy proposals including lower taxes with a flat 7.5% tax rate, clearing illegal homeless encampments using state law enforcement, and allowing offshore drilling to attract businesses and reduce costs.
Left counters
Hilton's proposals represent a return to failed conservative policies, while Becerra has a proven track record of protecting California from Trump administration overreach and delivering results on issues like prescription drug costs that directly benefit working families.
Challenge Questions
These questions target genuine internal contradictions — meant to provoke honest reflection.
Right asks Left
“If Becerra's extensive government experience is such an asset, how do you reconcile his alleged mishandling of migrant children in HHS care and his office's troubling record on death penalty cases with intellectually disabled defendants - doesn't this suggest his experience includes serious policy failures?”
Left asks Right
“If California voters are truly satisfied with 16 years of Democratic governance, why did a Trump-endorsed Republican manage to advance to the general election in such a heavily Democratic state - doesn't this suggest your characterization of voter sentiment may be incomplete?”
Outlier Report
Left Fringe
Progressive activists like those in the Democratic Socialists of America who view Becerra as too establishment and corporate-friendly, representing roughly 15% of the left coalition based on primary voting patterns for more progressive candidates.
Right Fringe
MAGA hardliners and election deniers who want Hilton to more aggressively challenge 2020 election results and embrace Trump's rhetoric fully, representing approximately 25% of the right based on Trump's core base polling.
Noise Assessment
Moderate noise level - most discourse reflects genuine policy disagreements about California governance, though some amplification occurs around Trump endorsement and election integrity talking points that don't reflect broader public priorities.
Sources (6)
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has edged out progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and will advance to the November general election in the California gubernatorial race, according to a projection from the Associated Press. Hilton will take on former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the top finisher in the state's nonpartisan "jungle" primary. He punched his ticket to the general election earlier this week. The pair emerged as the top two vote getters in a crowded field of 61 candidates.
<p>Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra are headed to the <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/06/03/san-francisco-california-self-funded-candidates-chakrabarti-steyer-election-results" target="_blank">California governor's race</a> in November, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/california-primary-results-governor/" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.</p><p><strong>The big picture:</strong> With 91% of the vote counted as of Tuesday evening: </p><ul><li>Hilton has 25% of the vote and Becerra 27.9%.</li><li>The top two vote-getters, regardless of party, face off in November.</li></ul><hr /><p><strong>Context:</strong> It took a week of vote counting for the winners to emerge, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/fraud-california-elections-los-angeles-mayor" target="_blank">fueling a familiar ritual</a> where early Republican leads slowly vanish. </p><ul><li>After a strong showing on Election Night, Hilton's lead slowly diminished, but he still held on to a second-place spot.</li><li>The delay is in part because mail ballots postmarked by Election Day are still counted.</li></ul><p><strong>Friction point: </strong>The race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom has been a bumpy one.</p><ul><li>There were 61 total candidates on the ballot, and initially eight top Democrats running for the seat.</li><li>Then in April, a Democrat front-m-runner, Congressman Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct, which he denies.</li><li>Fellow Democrat Betty Yee dropped out shortly after.</li></ul><p><strong>Even before Swalwell's exit</strong>, political commentators were noting the lack of excitement in the race, especially in the Democratic field.</p><ul><li>"The fact that there aren't any rising stars is indicative of a party that has not had for a generation competitive disagreements and healthy dialogue about who it is, and so that's atrophied," Republican strategist Mike Madrid told Axios in April.</li></ul><p><strong>The losers:</strong> The other candidates not advancing include billionaire businessman <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/tom-steyer-2026-race-california-governor" target="_blank">Tom Steyer</a>, Congresswoman <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/10/katie-porter-senate-california-2024" target="_blank">Katie Porter</a>, former Los Angeles Mayor <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/26/watch-axios-visionarios-2024-los-angeles" target="_blank">Antonio Villaraigosa</a>, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco.</p><p><strong>What's next:</strong> The following months will see the Republican Hilton attempt to overcome the odds in California, where <a href="https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ror/60day-primary-2026/historical-reg-stats.pdf" target="_blank">nearly half of registered voters</a> are Democrats.</p><ul><li>Hilton, a Fox News host, has outspoken opinions on several big issues.</li><li>He <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/15/california-governor-race-encampments-housing-mental-health" target="_blank">told Axios last month</a> that he would use state law enforcement to clear illegal homeless encampments, allow <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/18/california-governor-primary-taxes-greenhouse-gas-emissions" target="_blank">offshore drilling</a> on California's coast and move to a flat 7.5% tax rate to keep and attract businesses.</li><li>Becerra didn't respond to Axios' questions.</li></ul>
<img src="https://www.theblaze.com/media-library/steve-hilton-secures-spot-in-california-gubernatorial-runoff-and-considers-teaming-up-with-spencer-pratt.jpg?id=66893351&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0" /><br /><br /><p>Former Fox News host and small-business owner Steve Hilton (R) will face a head-to-head runoff election against former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra (D) in the California gubernatorial race, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/california-primary-results-governor/" target="_blank">Associated Press</a>.</p><p>As of Wednesday morning, more than a week after Election Day, California has completed counting 91% of the ballots. Becerra has secured nearly 2.4 million votes, 27.9%, and Hilton received just over 2.1 million votes, 25%. Climate advocate and businessman Tom Steyer (D) trailed in third place with roughly 1.9 million votes, 22.5%.</p><p class="pull-quote">'He represents that kind of energy we need.'</p><p>Steyer released a <a href="https://x.com/TomSteyer/status/2064502978325651884" target="_blank">statement</a> Tuesday conceding to Hilton. </p><p>“It’s now clear that we do not have the votes necessary to advance to the general election in November,” he stated. “Today, my message to you is simple: Pay attention. Know what you deserve, and know who is on your side. Understand who the villains are, and say their names out loud. Continue to demand more from your leaders and your government, until they give you the California — and the country — you know you deserve. I will be with you all the way.”</p><p>Hilton told <a href="https://www.foxla.com/video/fmc-8yc58p6uljaf0m66" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KTTV</a> on Tuesday that he would consider teaming up with Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who will not be moving on to the November general election.</p><p>“Clearly, this city is not doing well, right? We’ve got a massive problem with homelessness. There’s a sense of decay in the city,” Hilton said, referring to Los Angeles. </p><p>“The fact that you had a campaign for change that got a lot of energy and excitement, and actually all that energy, all those votes, all those hopes are just now not going to be reflected in the choice in November, I think, is a real problem.”</p><p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a href="https://www.theblaze.com/news/los-angeles-mayor-race-called-for-far-left-challenger-after-pratt-loses-40000-vote-lead" target="_blank"><strong>Los Angeles mayor race called for far-left challenger after Pratt loses 40,000-vote lead</strong></a></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="" class="rm-shortcode" id="62bb8" src="https://www.theblaze.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=66893353&width=980" /> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit">Steve Hilton. Mario Tama/Getty Images.</small></p><p>Hilton criticized the state’s election system, which allows the top two candidates, regardless of their political affiliation, to advance to the general election. </p><p>“You’ve got to have a clear choices in elections. That’s why I’m so happy we’ll be there in November. If it was a choice between two Democrats, as we’re now going to have in L.A., I don’t think that’s a choice at all,” Hilton added. “That is a feature of the top-two system.”</p><p>While the Los Angeles mayoral race is nonpartisan, both candidates, incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman, are left-leaning. </p><p>Hilton commended Pratt for his plan to address the city’s homelessness crisis, which he referred to as “very well thought through.”</p><p>“Whatever I can do to help make that happen, including working with him or not, I’m not going to rush it, but I do think that he had some really important things to say,” Hilton continued. </p><p><strong>RELATED: </strong><a href="https://www.theblaze.com/news/fraudsters-paradise-feds-plan-to-file-election-fraud-charges-in-california" target="_blank"><strong>‘Fraudster’s paradise’: Feds plan to file election fraud charges in California</strong></a></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="" class="rm-shortcode" id="2399d" src="https://www.theblaze.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=66893357&width=980" /> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit">Spencer Pratt. HIGHFIVE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.</small></p><p>When asked whether he would bring Pratt into his administration, Hilton replied, “Of course. Like a shot, my door would be open.”</p><p>Later that day, Hilton told <a href="https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2064696849353580588?s=20" target="_blank">Fox News</a> that he would “100%” consider having Pratt join him on the campaign trail, applauding the mayoral candidate for his “incredible impact.”</p><p>“I’d love that. He represents that kind of energy we need,” Hilton said.</p><p><em><em>Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. </em></em><a href="https://www.theblaze.com/newsletters/theblaze-articlelink" target="_self"><em><em>Sign up here</em></em></a><em><em>!</em></em></p>
The outcome pits a longtime Democratic official against President Donald Trump's pick for the job.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton on Wednesday cast Democratic rival Xavier Becerra as a continuation of California's Democratic establishment, arguing voters face a choice between "more of the same" and change in the state's governor's race.Speaking on...
<p>A billionaire running as a progressive failed to defeat Steve Hilton, a Republican who will face Democrat Xavier Becerra in November.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theintercept.com/2026/06/09/california-governor-results-becerra-steyer-porter-hilton/">In California, a Former Biden Official Will Face Fox News Personality for Governor</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theintercept.com">The Intercept</a>.</p>