Steve Hilton, a Republican and former Fox News personality, has clinched a spot in the California governor's race, set to compete against former Democratic Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The Associated Press confirmed Hilton's advancement after days of ballot counting delays, which sparked claims from some Republicans, including Donald Trump, that the election was rigged. Notably, billionaire Tom Steyer, who spent over $200 million on his campaign, failed to secure a runoff position, finishing third. Hilton, who has positioned himself as a candidate willing to cooperate with the current administration, aims to appeal to a broad base, including independents and Democrats. He has pledged to lower taxes and boost domestic energy production to reduce gas prices. Becerra, who previously served as California's Attorney General and a U.S. House member, is considered the frontrunner in the general election due to the state's strong Democratic majority. The last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, served from 2003 to 2011, highlighting the challenges Hilton faces in a deeply blue state.