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Former Fox Host Hilton Leads California GOP Race; Becerra Rises

5/8/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Steve Hilton, former Fox News host, leads recent polls, a rare GOP front-runner in California’s Democratic-leaning electorate.
Seven candidates debated on May 6, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, sparring over gas prices and housing affordability.
Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, rose in polls after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew, drawing attacks from fellow Democrats.

History

Historical Context

In October 2003 California held its first gubernatorial recall, the nation’s second after North Dakota’s 1921 vote, and voters removed Democrat Gray Davis with 55.4% approval. Republican actor Arnold Schwarzenegger won the replacement ballot, giving Republicans a net gain of two governorships that year. The episode showed how fiscal strain and voter dissatisfaction can trigger partisan shifts in a traditionally Democratic state.

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Story summary

Steve Hilton, former Fox News host, leads recent polls, a rare GOP front-runner in California’s Democratic-leaning electorate.
Seven candidates debated on May 6, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, sparring over gas prices and housing affordability.
Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, rose in polls after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew, drawing attacks from fellow Democrats.

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