SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The chaotic governor's race in California is nearing its conclusion as leading candidates present their final arguments before voting ends on Tuesday. Former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has emphasized his extensive public service, coining the phrase “hot competence summer” to showcase his qualifications to become California's next governor. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Steve Hilton critiqued the current state governance as a “bloated, nanny-state bureaucracy.”
Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer asserted that advancing progressive causes is his life’s mission, which he intends to pursue if elected. The candidates are vying for attention in a crowded field of approximately 60 participants on the ballot, as California's top-two primary system allows voters to choose regardless of party affiliation. The top two candidates will compete in the general election to succeed Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited from seeking a third term.
The race features prominent Democratic figures including Becerra, Steyer, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, and Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose. Notable Republicans in the race include Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
As of Friday afternoon, voter turnout was at 13%, which included 13% of Democrats and 18% of Republicans, according to a tracker by Democratic strategist Paul Mitchell. This distribution is noteworthy, as Democrats have typically voted early in recent elections while Republicans tend to wait until Election Day. Some Democratic voters are delaying their ballots, aiming to see if anyone in the crowded field emerges as a front-runner or due to general dissatisfaction with the options available.
Two mid-to-late May polls indicated that both Becerra and Hilton garnered support from approximately 20% of likely voters in California. In one poll, Steyer closely trailed these candidates, while Bianco and Porter found themselves further behind. The other poll reflected similar voter preferences, with none of the remaining candidates achieving double-digit support.
The candidates are actively campaigning across the state, which has around 23 million registered voters, to distinguish themselves from their rivals. Becerra highlights his 35 years of experience in state and federal service, stating, "This is not a place for on-the-job training. You better know what you’re doing." He is set to participate in a text-banking event in San Francisco and will rally with the Service Employees International Union in San Jose.
Hilton presents himself as a candidate with a fresh perspective, aiming to reduce regulations and bring down costs of housing and energy. He believes this practical approach will resonate across party lines, explaining, "It’s just simple, practical commonsense - $3 gas, cut your electric bills in half." He plans to host a town hall event in Silicon Valley shortly.
Steyer, identifying as a “billionaire who wants to tax other billionaires,” argued that the race is primarily between himself, Becerra, and Hilton. He criticized Becerra's acceptance of contributions from corporations like Chevron while asserting that he is addressing the affordability crisis in California. He is scheduled to hold a campaign rally in San Francisco to further emphasize his message.
Meanwhile, Mahan will engage voters in Los Angeles, Porter will deliver a speech in Orange County, and Bianco will present his vision at a church in San Jose. The candidates are making their last efforts in the days leading up to the election, each attempting to solidify their place for a chance to lead California's government.
