GOP candidate launches ad mocking rival's long political career

California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has launched a campaign ad targeting Xavier Becerra, a Democratic candidate who has advanced to the general election. The 55-second ad mocks Becerra's 36-year political career, portraying him as a continuation of California's status quo and highlighting issues such as homelessness and the state's high-speed rail project. The ad concludes with the tagline, 'Don't watch another rerun.' The ad was released shortly after The Associated Press projected Becerra would advance to the November gubernatorial election to succeed the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. As of Saturday afternoon, with approximately 68% of ballots counted, Becerra led the primary field with 26.8% of the vote, followed closely by Hilton at 26.4%, and Democrat Tom Steyer at 21.1%. Becerra's campaign celebrated the result, framing it as a fight for California voters and noting that he is the first Latino candidate to advance from a California gubernatorial primary to a general election. Becerra previously served as California's Attorney General and as Health and Human Services secretary under President Biden. Hilton, a former Fox News host, has campaigned as a political outsider advocating for change.