Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra lead California governor primary vote count

Key Points:

• The California governor's primary race remains undecided, with former UK political aide Steve Hilton and ex-Biden cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra leading a crowded field, as postal ballot counting continues.
• Becerra, a Democrat, has pledged to oppose former President Trump and freeze insurance and utility rates, while Republican Hilton, endorsed by Trump, promises tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks to improve affordability.
• Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer trails in third place amid a fragmented Democratic field, which lacks a dominant star and has led to record-breaking campaign spending and concerns about vote splitting.
• The jungle primary system advances the top two vote-getters regardless of party, raising the possibility of two Republicans advancing in a heavily Democratic state, a scenario that has alarmed Democratic leaders.
• California's complex political landscape, including issues like homelessness, immigration, and high fuel taxes, frames a highly competitive and closely watched gubernatorial race in the nation's most populous state.