Corporate Influence and Trumpism Cloud California Governor Primary
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Vote counting continues in California's primary for governor, with progressive Democrat Xavier Becerra and billionaire-backed Republican Steve Hilton leading, while grassroots Democrat Tom Steyer trails in third.
The primary election for California's governorship remains undecided as counting continues, with the voices of working people still at stake. Democrat Xavier Becerra, a champion for public health and a vocal critic of Trump-era policies, and Republican Steve Hilton, a Fox News mouthpiece propped up by Trump’s endorsement, are currently leading the pack. Trailing in third is Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire activist who has invested heavily in a progressive agenda, fighting for climate justice and economic equality.
California’s open primary system, designed to give voters more choice, has instead allowed a crowded field of 60 candidates, many of whom are backed by corporate interests or right-wing donors, to flood the ballot. Despite this, Becerra—a former Health and Human Services secretary—has stood out for his willingness to confront the regressive policies of the Trump administration. Overcoming establishment resistance and early low polling, Becerra told supporters in Los Angeles, “Like my parents, I never gave up,” highlighting his working-class roots and resilience.
Meanwhile, Hilton, a former Fox News commentator with connections to the conservative British elite, has relied on Trump’s divisive endorsement to build momentum. He has called for an end to 16 years of Democratic leadership, ignoring the progress made on healthcare, climate, and workers’ rights. At his watch party, Hilton boasted about surpassing one million votes, declaring, “Change is coming to California and it’s long overdue”—a thinly veiled threat to the state’s progressive gains.
Steyer, who has poured over $213 million of his own fortune into the race to push for a truly progressive agenda, remains hopeful despite trailing. “We’re going to wait until every ballot is counted,” he said, emphasizing the importance of every voice in the democratic process.
Election night was marked by unusual patterns, with Republicans—often the party of voter suppression—showing a preference for early mail-in voting, a shift from previous years when Democrats led in mail-in ballots. This shift raises questions about the integrity of the process and the influence of right-wing strategies.
Notably, prominent Democrats like Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla chose not to run, perhaps wary of the toxic political climate fostered by Trumpism. The campaign was further complicated by the abrupt exit of former Representative Eric Swalwell, who faced serious allegations, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency in public office.