Two Democrats and a Republican are leading in early returns in California’s crowded primary in the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. They are Democrats Xavier Becerra, a former State Attorney General and U.S. Health Secretary, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist; and Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton. All have sought to convince voters that they are best prepared to lead the most populous state and one of the world’s largest economies. The campaign has tested voters’ appetites for an experienced politician or candidates promising change. A main theme was lowering the cost of living in the state. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is in a distant 4th place in the race.
Republican incumbent State District One Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick leads her race with 51%, followed by Democrat Dianna Margaret James with 37% and Republican Darin Hale of Anderson with 13%.
-Steve Gibson