As the California gubernatorial primary unfolds, Republican candidate Steve Hilton is emerging as a leading contender. With nearly 60% of the ballots counted, Hilton, a former Fox News host, has garnered 27.2% of the votes, positioning him ahead of his closest rival, Democrat Xavier Becerra, who has 26%.
Hilton’s campaign, bolstered by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, has resonated particularly well in conservative-leaning counties. From Shasta County in the north to San Bernardino County in the south, Hilton maintains a solid lead. In Orange County, the most populous conservative county in the state, Hilton secured over 37% of the votes, significantly outpacing Becerra’s 22%.
Despite Hilton’s strong showing in these areas, the overall population dynamics of California present challenges. Red counties, while expansive, often have fewer registered voters compared to the densely populated blue counties. For instance, Los Angeles County’s population is four times that of San Bernardino County, highlighting the demographic hurdles Hilton faces in a predominantly Democratic state.
Democratic Contenders and Regional Dynamics
Xavier Becerra, who has deep ties to Los Angeles County, is banking on the remaining uncounted ballots in the area to boost his numbers. Becerra’s campaign has focused on leveraging his connections within the Latino community, particularly in San Bernardino County, where Hispanic voters form the largest demographic group.
Meanwhile, Tom Steyer, another Democratic candidate, has found success in progressive-leaning counties. In San Francisco and Marin counties, Steyer leads comfortably, having secured 34% of the votes compared to Becerra’s 24%. His campaign has also made inroads in Santa Barbara County, where he is ahead of Hilton by 5%.
Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, trails in fourth place with 11% of the votes. However, he remains a favorite in Riverside and Lassen counties, where he has scheduled campaign events to rally support.
As the primary race continues, the focus remains on the uncounted ballots and the potential shifts they could bring to the current standings. The outcome will hinge on the voter turnout in both conservative and liberal strongholds across the state.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
