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Former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican, are projected to advance to the general election for governor of California, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Hilton had coalesced GOP support with the help of President Trump’s endorsement, while the Democratic field remained divided over a crowded field of candidates until just before Election Day.
Becerra, though, surged to frontrunner status among Democrats after Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) exited the race amid sexual misconduct allegations that the now-resigned congressman denies.
With an estimated 84 percent of the vote in, Becerra had 27.66 percent to Hilton’s 25.10 percent, Decision Desk HQ reports.
Under California’s unique primary system, all candidates for the office appeared on the same ballot, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Despite concerns earlier in the cycle that a strong Republican contender and a fractured Democratic field could open the door for even two Republicans to advance in the blue state, Republican Riverside County Sherriff Chad Bianco, the other leading GOP contender, fell behind as Democrats pushed Becerra over the finish line.
Becerra and Hilton also beat out Democrat billionaire Tom Steyer, who was seen as another top-two contender.
Becerra was boosted by his experience running statewide, his time in former President Biden’s administration and his appeal to Latino voters, who make up a significant portion of the state’s electorate. He could become California’s first Latino governor in more than a century.
Hilton, a former British Conservative Party adviser, is somewhat of a political unknown in the Golden State, and he’s pitched his bid as a push for change in the blue stronghold.
Becerra and Hilton now turn toward the general election as they jostle to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) at the helm of the state that represents the fourth-largest global economy — but the seat is all but certain to stay in Democratic hands. Cook Political Report rates it a solidly Democratic seat.
It remains to be seen whether Newsom and other top California party figures, like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D), wade into the race now that the Democratic pick is clear.
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Read the full article at The Hill →📄Source document: Associated Press→5 reports
The HillIndependentRight7 days agoThe article discusses the challenges faced by Steve Hilton, a Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for governor of California, amid President Trump's controversial claims about voter fraud in the state. It notes that Trump's unpopularity in California complicates Hilton's campaign.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Trump's influence as a significant challenge for Hilton, implying that Trump's unpopularity in California is a major obstacle for a Trump-aligned candidate. This framing emphasizes the difficulty of aligning with Trump in a state where he is disliked, which leans toward a right-of
Los Angeles TimesIndependent🔒Center10 days agoA poll indicates that California Governor Gavin Newsom's opponent, Democrat candidate for governor John Becerra, holds a significant lead over Republican candidate Brian Hilton in the upcoming November election.
Bias read (Center): The summary presents the poll results without apparent bias, simply stating that Becerra has a 'major edge' over Hilton. No loaded language or one-sided sourcing is evident. The headline and content appear to report the findings neutrally.
Mother JonesIndependentCenter11 days agoThe article mentions that Becerra and Hilton have advanced in the California governor's race.
Bias read (Center): The article provides minimal detail and does not exhibit clear framing or slant. It simply states that two candidates have advanced in the race without offering context, commentary, or biased language.
AxiosIndependentCenter11 days agoRepublican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra are set to face off in the California gubernatorial election after securing the top two positions in the primary. As of Tuesday evening, with 91% of votes counted, Hilton received 25% of the vote and Becerra 27.9%. The race has seen delays due to mail-in ballots, and the Democratic field was initially crowded but saw several high-profile candidates drop out, including Eric Swalwell, who faced allegations of misconduct.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the gubernatorial race without overtly favoring either candidate. It includes details on both candidates' standings, the voting process, and contextual information about the Democratic primary field. No biased language or selective sourcing is evident.
The HillIndependentCenter12 days ago Becerra, Trump-backed Hilton set to duke it out in California governor's raceThe article discusses the California gubernatorial race, noting that former Attorney General Xavier Becerra (Democrat) and former Fox News host Steve Hilton (Republican) are projected to advance to the general election. Becerra gained momentum after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew due to sexual misconduct allegations. Under California's top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, and Becerra currently leads Hilton.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It provides details on both candidates' positions and progress in the race without emphasizing one side over the other. The framing remains neutral, focusing on electoral outcomes and procedural aspects.
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