Source: Fortune
Summary
California’s governor primary remained unresolved after three leading candidates, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Steve Hilton, tested voters’ appetites for change. The top two finishers will advance to the November general election. The candidates focused on affordability, with Steyer blaming corporations for the state’s challenges and Hilton promising to make Californians’ first $100,000 free of income tax. Becerra pitched himself as the steady hand who can lead the state against intrusions from the Trump administration.
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The numbers tell one story. Steyer vastly outspent rivals, dumping over $215 million of his own money into the campaign. Hilton’s message of making Californians’ first $100,000 free of income tax resonated with voters like Rosamaria Cerezo. Becerra’s experience as attorney general and federal health secretary was highlighted as evidence that he can protect Californians’ interests. The state’s notoriously high cost of living was a through line of the race. “Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,” Hilton told supporters.
Author: Evan Null
