Story perspectives

California Primary Hits $327 M; Becerra Ties Hilton After Swalwell Exit

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The June 2 primary became California’s costliest gubernatorial contest, with candidates spending over $327 million on advertising.
Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual-assault allegations, boosting Xavier Becerra’s standing among Democratic voters.
Tom Steyer’s $216 million personal spend left him in third place, showing massive self-funding did not guarantee a top-two finish.
Early results showed Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra tied at roughly 26-27 percent each.

History

Historical Context

Ross Perot’s self-financed 1992 presidential run, in which he poured $12 million of his own money and secured 18.9 % of the vote, showed how billionaire money can reshape campaigns; today, Tom Steyer’s $216 million outlay in the 2024 California gubernatorial primary echoes that precedent, prompting renewed calls for stricter finance rules at the state level.

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Story summary

The June 2 primary became California’s costliest gubernatorial contest, with candidates spending over $327 million on advertising.
Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual-assault allegations, boosting Xavier Becerra’s standing among Democratic voters.
Tom Steyer’s $216 million personal spend left him in third place, showing massive self-funding did not guarantee a top-two finish.
Early results showed Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra tied at roughly 26-27 percent each.

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