Former Biden Cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra and Fox News commentator Steve Hilton emerged as the early leading candidates in the race for California governor with over half of the vote reported.
These two may go head-to-head in a runoff in the November general election. With half of the vote counted, the Republican Brit lead with 27% of the vote with the former Calif. attorney general closely behind with 26% of the vote, according to AP. Billionaire businessman Tom Steyer trailed behind with just 20% of the reported vote.
Becerra celebrated his strong early polling numbers at a watch party in downtown Los Angeles, near Olvera Street. Steyer convened with supporters at an election night party in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Hilton celebrated his strong polling in Huntington Beach.
Becerra, the former health and human services secretary, has the most political experience of the frontrunners. In fact, Becerra previously served as the California attorney general from 2017 to 2021 and a U.S. representative for the state from 1993 to 2017.
As for Steyer, he is a hedge fund billionaire-turned-climate activist. He founded the San Francisco hedge Farallon Capital in 1986 and was its co-senior managing partner until leaving the firm in 2012. He has since become active in climate advocacy, founding NextGen America and climate change-focused investment firm Galvanize Climate Solution.
The businessman spent $216 million of his own wealth on his gubernatorial bid, arguing that he is the only candidate who does not have to rely on special interest groups.
The former British political strategist has emerged as the leading Republican candidate, ousting his rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, after President Donald Trump endorsed him in April. Hilton immigrated to California from the U.K. in 2012, where he was previously the aide of Prime Minister David Cameron.
The top two candidates will advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
An Emerson College poll in partnership with Inside California Politics predicted Becerra to lead the polls at 28% with Steyer and Hilton tied for second position with 23% of the vote.
As for the leading candidates’ opinions on entertainment industry issues, both Steyer and Hilton support an uncapped tax credit program for California. Becerra has been more hesitant, but he did note that the current $750 million tax credit is “the floor.”
All of the candidates have advocated for a federal production incentive and pledged to push for the White House’s support to make domestic production more attainable and competitive with that of international markets.
The largest union representing Hollywood workers, IATSE, joined with other labor groups in endorsing Steyer, who has been more outspoken in his opposition to M&A in the entertainment sector.
The general election to determine who will become California governor will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
