California Gubernatorial Primary: Steyer and Hilton Compete for Second Spot
Steyer and Hilton scrap for second top spot in tight Tuesday governor's race primary

Image: Los Angeles Times
In the lead-up to California's gubernatorial primary, candidates Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer vie for the second spot against frontrunner Xavier Becerra. With significant campaign spending and contrasting strategies, both candidates emphasize their unique positions to sway voters ahead of the June 2 election.
- 01Steve Hilton, endorsed by former President Trump, urges voters to support him to prevent a November face-off between two Democrats.
- 02Tom Steyer has spent a record-breaking $216 million on his campaign, positioning himself as independent from special interests.
- 03Xavier Becerra, the frontrunner, highlights his grassroots support and momentum against his wealthier opponents.
- 04Democratic voter turnout has been concerning, with mail-in ballots returned 9.2% lower than in the 2022 gubernatorial primary.
- 05Political experts note that voter fatigue and recent events, including wildfires, have contributed to lower engagement in this election.
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As California approaches its gubernatorial primary on June 2, candidates Steve Hilton and Tom Steyer are competing fiercely for the second spot against frontrunner Xavier Becerra. Hilton, a Republican and former commentator, has gained traction following an endorsement from former President Trump, arguing that his candidacy is crucial to prevent a November election featuring two Democrats. He criticizes Steyer's extensive campaign spending and Becerra's ties to corporate interests. Meanwhile, Steyer, who has invested $216 million in his campaign, positions himself as a candidate free from special interest influence, attacking Becerra's corporate support. Becerra, backed by a strong grassroots movement, emphasizes the importance of his campaign in protecting Medicaid and opposing the influence of wealth in politics. Despite a crowded field, voter engagement has been low, with Democratic mail-in ballots returned 9.2% lower than in the previous primary, raising concerns among party leaders about potential outcomes. Political analysts suggest that voter fatigue and recent events, such as wildfires, may be contributing to this apathy.
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The outcome of the primary will significantly influence California's political landscape and voter engagement in the general election.
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