Key Takeaways

• Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton lead the California governor primary as mail-in ballots are counted.
• The race is the most expensive in state history, fueled by billionaire spending and Silicon Valley support.
• Over 60 candidates competed in a jungle primary system picking the top two regardless of party affiliation.
• Results may take days due to heavy reliance on vote-by-mail in the nation's most populous state.

The California governor's race remains highly uncertain a day after the primary vote, with British-American former TV host Steve Hilton and onetime Biden cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra standing at the top of a crowded field. The contest could take several days to decide due to the massive volume of postal ballots cast on Tuesday to pick the top two candidates for November's general election.

Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former health secretary under President Joe Biden, has promised to freeze insurance and utility rates while framing his campaign around his record in Congress and state office. He has vowed to oppose President Donald Trump, positioning himself as a staunch defender of the state's interests against federal policies. His opponent, Steve Hilton, is a Republican endorsed by President Trump. Hilton, a former adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, has pledged to make the state affordable by cutting taxes and regulations, vowing to "disrupt the system" and solve the homelessness crisis.

The governor's race was expected to be straightforward for Democrats but descended into disarray due to a lack of a dominant star politician. This vacuum sparked a large field of Democrats to jump in, making it the most expensive California gubernatorial race on record. Immense ad spending by billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, who currently sits in third place, and significant Silicon Valley support for San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan drove up costs. Former Democratic congresswoman Katie Porter also joined the fray, further fragmenting the field.

The contest was significantly shaken up when one of the leading candidates, Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell, dropped out and resigned from Congress in April amid allegations of sexual assault, which he denied. The prospect of several Democrats splintering the vote sparked concerns from the party's high command that two Republicans could advance in deeply liberal California. The state’s so-called jungle primary system picks the two contenders with the most votes, regardless of political party.

Hilton, known for his unconventional California fashion sense, often campaigning without a tie or even barefoot, has argued the state should cooperate more closely with the federal government on immigration enforcement and roll back sanctuary policies. His background includes helping to shape Conservative Party strategy during a turbulent period in British politics that resulted in Brexit. He faces the challenge of advancing in a state where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by roughly two-to-one. The state’s last Republican governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose term ended in 2011.

The Impact of High Costs and Vote Counting Delays

California may have to wait another day, if not more, to find out which two candidates will duel in November, because the state relies heavily on vote-by-mail. It is the most populous state in the US and is the fifth largest economy in the world in its own right. With more than 60 candidates on the ballot, including one who changed his name to "Barack Obama Shaw," the complexity of the tally is immense.

California has also been at the forefront of some of America's most contentious political battles, from immigration and climate policy to homelessness and housing affordability. These issues are compounded by soaring petrol prices, a result of the US-Iran war and the highest fuel taxes in the nation. The outcome of this election will likely define the state's political trajectory for years, especially given the intense scrutiny on healthcare, housing, and economic regulation. The disarray within the Democratic party highlights the difficulty of maintaining unity in such a diverse and politically active electorate. As the count continues, the dynamics of the jungle primary system are being tested by the sheer volume of mail-in votes and the fragmented nature of the candidate field. The ultimate winners will not just determine the next governor but will also signal the direction of national political trends in one of the most critical states in the union. The prolonged counting process underscores the logistical challenges faced by election officials in a state of such magnitude.