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Trump-Backed Steve Hilton Secures GOP Slot in CA Governor Runoff

6/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

News host Steve Hilton secured the Republican slot in California’s governor’s race after U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement, creating a runoff.
In the June 2 primary, Hilton and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra led with about 25% and 28% of the vote.
California’s voter rolls list twice as many Democrats as Republicans, a situation reflected by the fact that no Republican has won a statewide office since 2006.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, voters recalled Democratic Governor Gray Davis and elected actor-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, marking California’s first gubernatorial recall. He secured a second term on November 7 2006 with 55.9% of the vote, the last statewide Republican victory in the state as of 2025. The 2003 recall, enabled by the 1911 progressive-era recall law, shows how outsider appeal can reshape California’s partisan balance.

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Story summary

News host Steve Hilton secured the Republican slot in California’s governor’s race after U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement, creating a runoff.
In the June 2 primary, Hilton and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra led with about 25% and 28% of the vote.
California’s voter rolls list twice as many Democrats as Republicans, a situation reflected by the fact that no Republican has won a statewide office since 2006.

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