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Becerra, Hilton give preview for reshaped California governor's race in dueling L.A. speeches
The two candidates traded contrasting messages at a national conference in downtown Los Angeles, setting the tone for their November matchup.
How we reported this
Former Biden Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and Trump-backed Fox News commentator Steve Hilton advanced to California's November 2026 governor's general election after winning the June 2 primary. The pair delivered dueling speeches hours apart at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference in downtown Los Angeles on July 15, 2026, marking their first joint-event appearance since the primary.
Primary Results Shape the Field
Early primary results showed Hilton leading with 27.6 percent and Becerra at 25.5 percent, but final counts confirmed Hilton finished second by roughly a 3-point margin to face Becerra in November. Democrat Tom Steyer was eliminated in third place after failing to surpass Hilton's vote count, leaving the race as an unexpected matchup between a former Fox host and a former Biden Cabinet secretary.
Speeches Highlight Differing Approaches
Becerra focused his speech on tying Hilton to President Trump, while Hilton emphasized his immigrant roots and small-business support without addressing Becerra's attacks. The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference provided the setting in downtown Los Angeles where the candidates presented their positions directly to attendees. City facilities hosted the event, allowing local services to support the exchange of views between the finalists.
Local Hosting Supports Campaign Visibility
The conference in downtown Los Angeles brought the candidates together for public remarks that preview the general election contest. Los Angeles provided the venue for these addresses, enabling the candidates to reach an audience of elected and appointed officials gathered for the gathering. This arrangement reflects how the city manages political events through established conference operations and public spaces.
The appearance offered voters an early look at the contrasting strategies the candidates plan to use through November. With the primary concluded, attention now turns to the general election campaign that will unfold across California.