Hilton, Becerra Lead California Governor Primary
Is Becerra's experience the steady hand California needs or is Hilton's change message what voters really want?
Above: Supporters of California Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra in Los Angeles, California, on June 2. Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Xavier Becerra is the clear frontrunner in California's gubernatorial race. His working-class roots and decades of public service make him the steady, experienced choice California needs. With Democrats outnumbering Republicans, a Becerra-versus-Hilton November matchup is essentially a done deal for Democrats.
Republican narrative
Steve Hilton is riding real momentum into November. President Trump's endorsement consolidated Republican support and made Hilton the only viable GOP candidate with a path to the general election. Hilton's affordability-first message is cutting through in a state with the highest cost of living in America.
