Steve Hilton, the leading Republican candidate for California governor, told The California Post Monday he’s feeling confident, but not complacent, heading into Tuesday’s primary election.
“It’s now or never for California — don’t let this chance for change slip away,” Hilton said, warning that an all-Democrat runoff is still within the realm of possibility.
“If you’ve already voted, spend some time hassling everyone you know to get out and vote as well.”
Hilton, who also served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, is trying to consolidate Republican and independent support in a crowded primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
He vowed to investigate Gavin Newsom for fraud as his first act as California governor if he wins the election on Monday.
Under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the November general election.
Hilton said his campaign will hold an event Tuesday in Huntington Beach with supporters as he makes a final push in the race.
“We’ve got to get this state back on track, and the only chance to do that is getting me into the top two,” Hilton said.
He warned that if two Democrats advance in the primary, California voters would be left with “more of the same — or even worse.”
A California Post-McLaughlin Associates poll found last week that Hilton was in a dead heat with progressive billionaire Tom Steyer at 25% support among likely primary voters. Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general, finished in third at 19%.
Pollster Jim McLaughlin said Hilton has been boosted by Republicans and independents, while Steyer and Becerra are battling for Democratic voters.
“Republicans and independents have put Steve Hilton among the leaders, but the real battle is among Steyer and Becerra for Democratic votes,” McLaughlin said.
“The lack of Democratic support for Hilton has him frozen. Democrats make up about half the electorate.”
Newsom, who terms out of office in January, has not endorsed a candidate in the race.
Hilton said the stakes are clear for voters unhappy with California’s cost of living, homelessness, crime and “getting rid of the ridiculous bloat and bureaucracy in California.”
He said there is “a lot of energy” around his campaign and that supporters are excited heading into Election Day.
“We have to fight right up to the end,” Hilton said.
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