Trump-backed Steve Hilton advances to general election for California governor

Published June 9, 2026 8:05pm ET | Updated June 9, 2026 9:03pm ET



Conservative commentator Steve Hilton is headed to California’s gubernatorial general election, facing off against Xavier Becerra, former President Joe Biden’s health and human services secretary.

Hilton, endorsed by President Donald Trump, received 25% of the vote in the open primary, coming in second behind Becerra, who garnered 27.9% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. The outlet called the race on Tuesday evening, one week after the election, with 88% of the vote counted.

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