Republican Steve Hilton to contest California governorship against Democrat Xavier Becerra

Republican Steve Hilton secured enough votes in California's open primaries to challenge Democrat Xavier Becerra for governor in November. Hilton, a former conservative commentator and Fox News host, will face Becerra, who currently serves as Health Secretary in Joe Biden's administration.

California's open primary system allows all candidates to run on the same ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Hilton, who is backed by former President Donald Trump, appears to have edged out Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire who spent heavily on his campaign.

With nearly 90% of ballots counted, Becerra holds about 28% of the vote, followed by Hilton at 25%, and Steyer at 23%. Republican Chad Bianco, sheriff of Riverside County, is in fourth place with 10%.

The winner of the November election will succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is unable to seek reelection due to term limits. Republicans have not held the governorship in California for two decades, since Arnold Schwarzenegger's second term.