Former Fox Host Clinches Spot in California Governor Race After Week-Long Count

Clear Facts

• Former Fox News host Steve Hilton secured second place in California’s gubernatorial primary, advancing to the general election against Democrat Xavier Becerra
• The race was not officially called until one full week after polls closed, raising questions about California’s vote-counting procedures
• Democrat Xavier Becerra, former HHS Secretary, took first place with 27.9% of the vote in the primary to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom

The race to replace outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom has finally been decided — a full week after voters went to the polls. Former Fox News host Steve Hilton will face off against Democratic former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in what promises to be a contentious general election battle for control of the nation’s most populous state.

Becerra finished first in the primary with 27.9% of the vote, while Hilton secured second place to advance under California’s top-two primary system. The extended timeline for calling the race has renewed concerns among conservatives about the Golden State’s election administration and vote-counting processes.

Hilton, known for his conservative commentary during his time at Fox News, faces an uphill battle in deep-blue California. The state has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, though the recall of Newsom initially showed promise for GOP candidates before ultimately failing.

Becerra served as California’s Attorney General before joining the Biden administration as HHS Secretary. He resigned from that position to launch his gubernatorial campaign, positioning himself as Newsom’s natural successor in maintaining the state’s progressive policy agenda.

The week-long delay in calling the race has drawn criticism from election integrity advocates who question why it takes California so long to count votes compared to other states. Many conservative voters point to such delays as evidence of the need for election reform, including stricter voter identification requirements and limits on mail-in voting.

California’s top-two primary system, adopted in 2010, allows the two candidates with the most votes to advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. This has occasionally resulted in two Democrats facing each other in statewide races, effectively shutting Republicans out of the general election entirely.

For Hilton, the challenge will be mobilizing California’s substantial but often dispirited Republican base while appealing to independent voters frustrated with the state’s high taxes, rising cost of living, and ongoing homelessness crisis. The former Fox News personality has built his campaign around promises to restore public safety, reduce regulations, and make the state more affordable for working families.

The general election will serve as a referendum on progressive governance in California, with Becerra defending the Newsom administration’s record while Hilton offers a conservative alternative vision. Turnout among Republican voters and independents will be crucial to Hilton’s chances in November.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.