Former David Cameron adviser Steve Hilton advances to California gubernatorial final

California's gubernatorial runoff will feature Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, a former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron. Democrat Tom Steyer was eliminated on Tuesday, clearing the path for Becerra to face Hilton in November's election in the heavily Democratic state.

Two finalists have emerged in the race for California's governorship: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. On Tuesday, billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer was eliminated from the contest, meaning Becerra will face Hilton in November's election.

Steve Hilton is known as a close adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron who subsequently built a career in the United States. His advancement to the final means California's gubernatorial election will pit an experienced Democratic politician against a British-born conservative commentator.

Political analysts regard Becerra as the clear favourite, as California is one of the country's most reliable Democratic strongholds. For a Republican candidate, this state is traditionally extremely difficult to win. The election takes place in November 2026.