Steve Hilton, a Republican backed by Donald Trump, has advanced to the November general election in California’s governor’s race to face Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former HHS secretary under Biden.

Hilton runs on lowering gas and housing costs, making the first $100,000 of income tax-free, creating a first-time homebuyer loan program, and freezing in-state tuition at public colleges.

He frames California as needing new leadership after more than 15 years of Democratic control and positions himself as a reformer who will cut costs, fight corruption, boost business, and improve schools.

The article appears in CNN Politics as a live, rapidly updated item rather than a deeper feature.

Becerra has faced scrutiny over his handling of the migrant child crisis and the mpox outbreak, though no law-enforcement wrongdoing has been alleged.

Context indicates this is an AP reporting piece outlining the basic setup and stakes of the campaign matchup.

Tom Steyer spent about $216 million of his own money before conceding, criticizing corporate influence while calling for systemic democracy reform.

The excerpt notes running time and source but does not provide primary results or dates beyond the looming November election.

Other candidates in the race included Tony Thurmond and Chad Bianco, with several campaigns ending as results came in.

Steyer spent over $200 million nationwide but did not secure the nomination; Katie Porter’s vote total exceeded 400,000 and could have changed the outcome if she had exited earlier.

Background notes cover immigration positions, campaign spending, and county dynamics shaping the statewide runoff landscape.

Hilton criticized ballot counting delays and called for accountability among election officials responsible for the slow process.