The Golden State has been ruled by leftists for years. That may be changing.
And California is in store for a major shake-up according to this latest poll.
In a packed field to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, Republican Steve Hilton surged to a narrow advantage over Xavier Becerra, a Democrat.
The results sent a clear message that even in deep-blue California, patience with one-party rule is wearing thin.
Hilton, the former Fox News host who has positioned himself as a bold outsider ready to shatter the status quo, captured the attention of voters hungry for real solutions.
With nearly 78.5 percent of precincts reporting late Tuesday, he held 26.9 percent of the vote.
Becerra followed closely at 25.7 percent, while Tom Steyer lagged in third with 19.8 percent.
This primary setup means the top two vote-getters advance to November no matter their party label.
For the first time in years, Californians appear poised to force a genuine contest between failed progressive policies and a fresh conservative alternative.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco landed in fourth place with 11.2 percent.
Former Congresswoman Katie Porter took fifth at 4.9 percent, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan grabbed 4.4 percent, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa got just 1.3 percent. Villaraigosa ended up conceding in the race.
Before a gathering for election night, Hilton delivered a powerful message when interview with the New York Post.
“Change is coming” for the Golden State, he declared.
“I think this state is ready for change, and tonight’s results show that I think that we’re not taking anything for granted.”
California has endured years of skyrocketing housing costs, tent cities sprawling across major metros, and businesses fleeing the state in droves.
Hilton’s lead, however slim, points to growing frustration with Sacramento’s endless parade of progressive experiments.
