Hilton to face Becerra in November election for California governor, CBS News projects
Updated on: June 9, 2026 / 8:24 PM PDT / CBS LA
TL;DR
- Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra are projected to compete in the November general election for California governor.
- Hilton's campaign focused on bringing change to California.
- Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, experienced a late surge in the race.
- Tom Steyer, a Democrat, conceded and urged support for Becerra against Hilton and President Trump.
- If elected, Hilton would be California's first Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- If elected, Becerra would be the first Latino governor of California in 150 years.
- Current Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris have endorsed Becerra.
- Other notable candidates like Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, and Antonio Villaraigosa did not advance.
- President Trump endorsed Hilton, which may have contributed to his lead over fellow Republican Chad Bianco.
- Hilton has criticized California's ballot counting process and pledged to expedite it if elected.