Commentary: From here to November: Our columnists size up the California governor's race

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The votes are still being tallied but the result of Tuesday’s top-two primary election in California seems pretty clear.Despite an uptick in his performance, hopes for third-place finisher Tom Steyer are fading along with the number of uncounted ballots, suggesting Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in November.Given the overwhelming Democratic advantage — both attitudinally and in registration — the outcome of the governor’s race might seem preordained.But it’s voters who decide elections, not know-it-all columnists.Two of that breed, Mark Z.

Barabak and Anita Chabria, can’t see into the future.But they can try to make sense of what just passed, starting with a primary season that was a strange mix of ennui and white knuckles.Barabak: So Anita, now that the election is over how are you feeling? Relieved? Giddy? Depressed?President Trump is falsely claiming that California’s primary vote is rigged.

Republican Steve Hilton needs to stand up for the state and its elections, which are free and fair.Chabria: Tired, with five months to go.And while it’s true neither of us can see into the future, it’s not too much of a long shot to predict that in a state where registered Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans, the next governor will likely be blue.So while the primary was bruising and confusing, the general election will be much more predictable — it’s Becerra’s to lose, and he’d have to try really hard to do that.

But here’s what I’ll be looking for in the lead up to November: How far will Hilton go to capitalize on this moment for personal gain? There are plenty of real issues to be discussed where the Republican-Democrat divide could offer worthy debate.What should we do about gas prices? What is the right balance between environmental regulation and building housing?But my fear is, with little chance of winning, Hilto...