California’s crowded, protracted gubernatorial primary is going to take a little more time to settle.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The race remained too early to call Wednesday morning with 50% of the expected vote counted, according to NBC News’ Decision Desk.Three main candidates — former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican, and two Democrats, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire activist Tom Steyer — are competing for two spots in the general election, with the candidate in fourth place, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, running well behind.Hilton had 27% support in the all-party primary with about half of votes still left to count, while Becerra had 26% and Steyer had 20%.
Bianco was the only other candidate in double digits, at 11%.In California, all candidates run on the same primary ballot in the primary and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, move on to the general election.It’s difficult to say when it will be clear which two candidates advance to the November general election, however, due to the state’s protracted vote counting.And with millions of ballots left to count, other key races in California remain uncalled as well, including the second runoff spot to face Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass one on one in November, several House races that could help determine the majority next year, and more.Add NBC News to GoogleKaren Bass to advance in L.A.mayoral runoff race, NBC News projects01:28In the governor’s race, all three candidates rallied supporters around the state as the evening drew on.“We’re not there yet, but it’s looking good,” Hilton told allies.
“It looks very much as if Californians really will have the chance to vote for change in November and take our state in a new direction, a fresh start for our state, which is long overdue.”But while Hilton was narrowly in first place when h...