Steve Hilton issues fiery message as he takes the lead in CA governors race

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton — the current frontrunner in early returns from the primary election — held an ebullient news conference Wednesday morning on the steps of the Capitol after to deliver a new pitch to California voters.“The campaign starts today,” said Hilton, who appears likely to face off against Democratic establishment candidate Xavier Becerra in the November general election.“Our goal is to act quickly and immediately to take less money out of people’s pockets, so they can afford to live in California.… We’ll be working with economists to make sure that we’ve got a plan that is solid and deliverable.”Hilton, who received an endorsement from President Trump, said he received a message of support from the White House on election night but did not provide details.

However, Trump took to Truth Social to wish him well Wednesday.“Congratulations to Steve Hilton on coming in first, last night, in the California Vote for Governor.If Californians are smart, which I know they are, they will put Steve into the Governor’s Mansion, and watch their State get better at a rate that has probable never been seen before,” Trump said.Hilton has campaigned as a crusader against California’s Democratic political machine, but in a runoff, Hilton will need a bigger tent.

Democrats make up nearly 45% of registered voters in California, while Republicans and independents account for roughly 25% and 22.6%, respectively.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Early returns from Tuesday’s election show many voters appear to be clamoring for change, though, as Hilton had nearly 1.4 million votes to take 27.8% of the ballots counted as of Wednesday morning, according to the Secretary of State;’s office.Becerra, a fo...