As the race for California’s next governor reaches its final days, candidates are intensifying their efforts to connect with voters. Former U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer are among the leading figures vying for the position.
Key Candidates and Their Messages
Xavier Becerra, who has served in various state and federal roles for over 35 years, is emphasizing his extensive experience in public service. He has been actively engaging with voters through events like a text-banking session with Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta in San Francisco and a rally with the Service Employees International Union in San Jose. Becerra’s campaign is built on the promise of ‘hot competence summer,’ highlighting his readiness to lead without the need for on-the-job training.
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, is campaigning on a platform of reducing government regulations and lowering housing and energy costs. He aims to dismantle what he describes as a ‘bloated, nanny-state bureaucracy.’ Hilton, who has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, is focusing on practical solutions like reducing gas prices and cutting electric bills. He plans to hold a town hall in Silicon Valley, appealing to voters with a message of commonsense governance.
Tom Steyer, known for his progressive activism and wealth, positions himself as a candidate who can address California’s affordability crisis. He describes the race as a contest between himself, Becerra, and Hilton, criticizing Becerra for accepting corporate donations. Steyer is campaigning on taxing billionaires and addressing the high cost of living in California, with plans to rally in San Francisco to reinforce his message.
Voter Turnout and Polling
With the primary election approaching, voter turnout remains a critical factor. As of Friday, 13% of voters had cast their ballots, with a higher turnout among Republicans (18%) compared to Democrats (13%). This trend is atypical, as Democrats usually vote early, but many are waiting to see if a frontrunner emerges from the crowded field of roughly 60 candidates.
Recent polls indicate a tight race, with Becerra and Hilton each securing support from about 20% of likely voters. Steyer follows closely, while other candidates like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter trail behind. The top two candidates from this primary will advance to the general election to succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible for a third term.
As the candidates make their final appeals, they are traversing key regions such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, and Los Angeles, aiming to sway undecided voters and solidify their support bases.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
