Key facts
- Democrat Xavier Becerra is projected to advance to the general election for California governor.
- The identity of Xavier Becerra's runoff challenger is currently undetermined.
- California's primary election results may take days or weeks to be released.
- Votes arriving up to a week after election day are considered valid if postmarked by election day.
- Republican Steve Hilton expressed confidence in his party's performance in the California primary.
- Donald Trump endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton.
- Steve Hilton launched an advertisement criticizing Xavier Becerra's 36-year political career.
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez will head to a runoff election after admitting infidelity.
- An antisemitic conspiracy theorist received a substantial number of votes in the California governor race.
- The White House will not resurrect a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
- Crypto PACs spent approximately $3 million on ads in California and New Jersey.
- Crypto PACs spent over $411,000 to support Senator Mike Rounds in South Dakota.
Democrat Xavier Becerra has been projected by CBS News to advance to the general election for California governor. The identity of his runoff challenger remains uncertain as vote tabulation continues, with ballots arriving up to a week after election day being considered valid if postmarked by the deadline. This extended counting period, which could take days or weeks, is a result of California's reliance on mail-in voting and a comprehensive review process, a system that has drawn criticism but is also defended for maximizing voter turnout and access. Democratic voters reportedly engaged in strategic balloting to prevent their party from being excluded from the general election following a turbulent primary.
On the Republican side, Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor endorsed by Donald Trump, voiced optimism about the party's prospects in the state's primary, citing enthusiasm among California Republicans and the impact of Trump's endorsement. Hilton has also initiated a campaign advertisement that targets Xavier Becerra's 36-year political career, framing it as a point of criticism in the intensifying gubernatorial race. In other races, Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) is headed to a runoff election after admitting to infidelity, following a report of him being seen kissing a congressional aide. The primary also saw an antisemitic conspiracy theorist, associated with Charlie Kirk, receive a substantial number of votes despite widespread condemnation.
Separately, the White House confirmed that a proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund will not be revived, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. In parallel, political action committees (PACs) focused on cryptocurrency have spent approximately $3 million on advertisements in California and New Jersey, and an additional $411,000 to support Senator Mike Rounds in South Dakota, coinciding with primary elections across six states. The California governor's race is beginning to take shape as key figures emerge as potential contenders for the upcoming election.