Story perspectives

Trump-Backed Hilton Falls Behind Becerra; Steyer Spends $216M

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, who secured second place in California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary.
After 90 % of ballots were counted, Xavier Becerra led with 27.9 % while Steve Hilton trailed at 25 %, a gap of roughly 250 000 votes.
Hilton’s voter-ID and mail-ballot limits drew criticism for potentially disenfranchising Californians.
Billionaire Tom Steyer spent over $216 million, finished third, and urged voters to back Becerra to block a Trump-handpicked governor.

History

Historical Context

California’s 2003 gubernatorial recall, the first in state history, was enabled by the 1911 Progressive-Era recall amendment championed by Governor Hiram Johnson. After activists gathered roughly 1.6 million signatures, voters removed Democrat Gray Davis on October 7, 2003, and elected Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, a precedent that shapes later recall battles such as the 2021 Newsom effort.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, who secured second place in California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary.
After 90 % of ballots were counted, Xavier Becerra led with 27.9 % while Steve Hilton trailed at 25 %, a gap of roughly 250 000 votes.
Hilton’s voter-ID and mail-ballot limits drew criticism for potentially disenfranchising Californians.
Billionaire Tom Steyer spent over $216 million, finished third, and urged voters to back Becerra to block a Trump-handpicked governor.

1 / 2