California governor race Becerra, Hilton election night updates

California voters are choosing between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton in the state’s governor race, with polls closing at 8 p.m. Tuesday and results potentially taking weeks. The outcome hinges on California’s longstanding vote-counting process, which can involve millions of ballots and ongoing tallying by election officials. The two candidates advanced through California’s top-two primary, where Becerra led the June field with 28% and Hilton followed with 24.6%. Becerra, former state attorney general and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is emphasizing civil rights and affordability, while Hilton says the state needs tax cuts, less regulation, and a new direction on energy, crime, education, and housing. A PPIC poll released Oct. 28 showed Becerra leading likely voters 61% to 37%.