Republican Steve Hilton has secured a spot in California’s gubernatorial general election and will face former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra in November.
According to Decision Desk HQ, Becerra had 27.66% to Hilton’s 25.10%, with about 84% of the vote calculated.
President Trump celebrated the win, posting an image of Hilton’s advancement on Truth Social.
Trump endorsed Hilton in April. “I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job,” he wrote on Truth Social. “People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
Hilton launched his campaign in April 2025 under the theme, “Golden Again: Great Jobs, Great Homes, Great Kids.”
“I just want to ask people to imagine what California would be like after another 15 years of one-party rule by the Democrats,” he told news outlets at the time. “It is just a disaster on every front.” He also released a campaign video, saying it’s “time for a new future” and pledging to bring accountability, opportunity, and real reform back to Sacramento.
