BREAKING: Steve Hilton ADVANCES to California governor general election, will face Xavier Becerra in November

Decision Desk HQ has projected that Republican Steve Hilton has secured a spot in California's gubernatorial general election, setting up a November showdown with former Biden administration Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

The projection comes after a closely watched top-two primary that remained competitive throughout the vote-counting process. California's election system advances the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

On election night, Hilton held a narrow lead over Becerra, capturing 27.8 percent of the vote compared to Becerra's 25.4 percent. Billionaire activist Tom Steyer trailed in third place with 19.6 percent, while the remaining candidates, including Rep. Katie Porter and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, split the rest of the vote.

The race underwent a major shakeup after former frontrunner Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out following the resurfacing of sexual assault allegations. Swalwell has denied the accusations. In the weeks that followed, Becerra appeared to gain momentum among Democratic voters.

Hilton also faced challenges consolidating support on the Republican side. Despite receiving President Donald Trump's endorsement, Hilton shared the ballot with Bianco, who remained in the race through primary day and likely drew support from conservative voters. Hilton spent the final weeks of the campaign urging Republicans to unite behind his candidacy.

A former Fox News host and political commentator, Hilton built his campaign around reducing state regulations, lowering gas prices, reforming California's education system, and cracking down on crime and government fraud.

Earlier Monday in Los Angeles, Socialist City Councilmember Nithya Raman advanced to the November mayoral runoff against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass after overtaking Spencer Pratt during the extended vote-counting process. Pratt held a lead over Raman on election night and remained ahead for several days, but late-arriving mail-in ballots pushed Raman into second place.

Raman's advancement set up a contest between two Democrats in November and ended what had become one of the state's most closely watched local races. Pratt's campaign gained national attention after the Republican outsider surged into contention amid voter frustration over homelessness, affordability, public safety, and the city's response to the 2025 wildfires.