Republican Candidate Advances in California Elections Showdown

By the final weeks of the race, Hilton had effectively united much of California’s Republican base behind his candidacy

Hilton ran as an outsider promising major changes to California’s direction after more than a decade of Democratic control.

His campaign focused heavily on affordability issues, rising living costs, high gas prices, regulations, taxes, and what he described as government failures under one-party rule.

Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,” Hilton told supporters on election night

He has pledged to reduce income taxes, cut regulations, expand energy production, and roll back several policies implemented under Democratic leadership.

The primary also marked a disappointing finish for billionaire activist Tom Steyer, who spent heavily on the race and was viewed by many analysts as a legitimate contender for one of the top two spots.