Steve Hilton Leads Becerra in Ventura County Primary
Republican Steve Hilton outperformed expectations in Ventura County by securing 32% of the vote against Democrat Xavier Becerra. Both candidates are projected to advance to the November general election as the top two finishers in the statewide gubernatorial primary race.
Republican Steve Hilton led Democrat Xavier Becerra by 2.4 points in early returns following the June 2 California gubernatorial primary. The result positions both candidates for a November general election runoff after they emerged as the top two finishers. Hilton’s performance signals a shift in momentum for Republicans in traditionally Democratic strongholds like Ventura County.
### Hilton Outperforms in Democratic Strongholds In Ventura County, Hilton captured 32% of the vote compared to 26.3% for Becerra, despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans 43% to 29% in the region. California Lutheran University professor Herb Gooch said Hilton’s media persona and "last-minute anger" drove the surge.
