California voters went to the polls Tuesday to advance two candidates for governor to the November election in a highly uncertain primary. Democratic former Attorney General Xavier Becerra leads in polls, with Republican Steve Hilton and progressive Tom Steyer battling for second place.
The race is shaped by high costs, wildfires, and federal uncertainty. - Becerra, a former U.S.
Health and Human Services secretary, leads with about a quarter of likely voter support. - Hilton, endorsed by Trump, polls second, while Steyer has spent $213 million of his own money.
- Votes could take days or weeks to tally, with strategists noting self-fulfilling poll dynamics. The winner of the primary will face long odds in November, as Democrats hold a strong registration advantage.
The outcome holds national importance for the Democratic Party’s pushback against the Trump administration.