California voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a primary election that will shape both the governor's race and several competitive congressional seats. Republican candidate Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, expressed confidence but not complacency ahead of the vote, telling The Post it was 'now or never for California.' President Donald Trump has formally backed Hilton, injecting high-profile partisan energy into the contest.
The gubernatorial primary will determine which two candidates advance to the general election under California's top-two system. Hilton's campaign has focused on reversing the state's high cost of living and crime rates, positioning itself as a direct challenge to Democratic dominance in Sacramento. A strong showing could signal a broader shift in the state's political winds.
Democrats hold every statewide office and supermajorities in the legislature, but Hilton's Trump endorsement has energized the Republican base. Meanwhile, a recently approved redistricting measure — which heavily favored Democrats — has reshaped several congressional primaries, making some reliably blue seats more competitive and forcing incumbents to run harder in their own party bases.
Public opinion remains divided: while California voters have long favored Democratic policies, frustration over homelessness, housing costs, and crime has creaed an opening for Republican candidates. Polling ahead of the primary showed Hilton within striking distance of the top-two finish, though Democratic frontrunners including Governor Gavin Newsom — who is not up for reelection until 2027 — have dominated headlines in past cycles.
Analysts caution that a Hilton victory in the primary would not guarantee a win in the general election, given California's Democratic lean. However, a strong showing could reshape the party's strategy for 2027, forcing Democrats to invest heavily in what has been considered a safe state for decades.