California Governor Race Takes Shape as Hilton, Becerra Lead (2)

Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra surged to the top of California’s crowded gubernatorial primary, with billionaire Tom Steyer trailing in a contest shaped by money, scandal and uncertainty.

Hilton, a Republican political strategist endorsed by President Donald Trump, had nearly 28% of the vote and Becerra, a former US health secretary under Joe Biden, garnered more than 25% of the vote with about 62% of the estimated votes counted Wednesday morning, according to Decision Desk HQ. Steyer lagged at about 20%.

The top two finishers will advance to the November general election regardless of party. In a ...