Hilton blasts Newsom for “fearmongering” over California top-two primary, urges rival to quit to avoid GOP shutout
Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton accused Gov. Gavin Newsom of “fearmongering,” saying Newsom’s remarks about a ‘break the glass’ plan aim to split Republican votes between Hilton and Chad Bianco and could reshape California’s top-two primary outcome.
Key takeaways
- Newsom warned Democrats about a contingency to prevent being locked out under the top-two primary.
- Hilton called that “fearmongering” and accused Newsom of trying to induce vote-splitting between Hilton and Chad Bianco.
- Hilton urged Bianco to drop out to avoid splitting GOP votes and risking a Democratic lockout of the November ballot.
- Polls show a tight race: Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra are close in averages, with Bianco trailing and raising genuine vote-splitting concerns.
What happened
At a news conference last Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Democrats about the risk of being shut out of the November ballot under California’s top-two, or “jungle,” primary system. Newsom said there were people who “have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out,” and pledged that he and his allies would do “everything to make sure that doesn’t happen,” before declining to elaborate further. (News coverage cited by Los Angeles Times and CalMatters.)
Steve Hilton responded sharply. In a statement shared with Fox News Digital, Hilton called Newsom’s comments a tactic meant to split Republican voters between him and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. “He’s not trying to stop a top two Republican outcome because that is not possible and never was,” Hilton said, according to the Fox report. Hilton added that Democrats would prefer two Democrats in November because it would take heat off Newsom as he looks at a possible 2028 presidential run.
“He’s not trying to stop a top two Republican outcome because that is not possible and never was.” — Steve Hilton (statement to Fox News Digital)
Hilton also posted a video on X urging Bianco to withdraw from the race. That public call underscores the real risk Republicans see in a crowded field: even a low-polling candidate can split the party’s base enough to change who advances to November.
How the California top-two primary works
California’s top-two primary places all candidates on a single, statewide ballot. The two individuals with the most votes, regardless of party, advance to the November general election. The system can produce a November matchup between two members of the same party if that party’s voters concentrate support — which is why both parties fret about vote-splitting in tight fields. (Background: CalMatters.)
Why this matters now
This year’s contest is unusually open. Polling averages show Steve Hilton leading the GOP field but below a majority; Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former U.S. attorney general, is near the top of Democratic support in some surveys. Chad Bianco trails, which raises the possibility that even modest vote-splitting could determine the two names that appear on the November ballot.
Aggregators and recent reporting — including RealClearPolitics and the Los Angeles Times — have highlighted how tight the race is, and experts say this may be the first California gubernatorial election in recent memory without an obvious front-runner, increasing tension around the top-two dynamic.
Hilton’s argument and political strategy
Hilton’s charges are twofold: he accuses Newsom of fearmongering to influence voting behavior, and he warns that Newsom’s comments are intended to encourage Republicans to split their votes between Hilton and Bianco. At the same time, Hilton’s public plea for Bianco to exit suggests he recognizes the practical danger of a divided GOP vote and is attempting to consolidate conservative support behind himself.
Where the candidates stand
- Steve Hilton: Backed recently by former President Donald Trump, campaigning on affordability, taxes and housing. Leads in several polls but below 50%.
- Chad Bianco: Riverside County sheriff with lower poll numbers and fundraising, which Hilton cites as evidence that Bianco has little realistic path to the top two.
- Xavier Becerra: Top Democratic contender in many surveys, close enough in polling to make the top-two outcome a real contest.
(For broader candidate coverage and polling: Los Angeles Times, RealClearPolitics, CalMatters.)
What strategists say
Political strategists warn that the jungle primary becomes a numbers game: parties and candidates must weigh primary campaigning against tactics to avoid harmful vote-splitting. Many experts recommend early consolidation behind the strongest candidates to reduce risk. Commentaries and analysis have appeared at CalMatters and the Los Angeles Times.
Implications for the Imperial Valley
Economic impact: The governor’s race could influence state budget priorities that matter in the Imperial Valley — water projects, border infrastructure, immigration enforcement, and farm subsidies could all be affected depending on who advances and wins.
Political consequences: The Imperial Valley is more conservative than much of coastal California; local leaders worry that a November ballot without a major-party GOP option could depress turnout or force voters to choose between two Democrats, altering congressional and state legislative dynamics.
Social and cultural effects: Messaging on immigration, border security and cost of living resonates in the region. A general election lacking a GOP candidate might mute local cultural concerns or shift grassroots mobilization strategies by unions, farmworker groups and conservative organizations.
Practical applications for residents
Imperial Valley voters should watch primary turnout and early returns closely: small shifts can determine who advances. Expect increased local outreach, targeted mailers, and more campaign events as parties and candidates try to consolidate support.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News Digital — coverage of Hilton’s statement and video.
- Los Angeles Times — reporting on the race and polling.
- CalMatters — background on the top-two primary and candidate profiles.
- RealClearPolitics — polling averages for California governor.
- Ballot Access News — commentary from Richard Winger on ballot access tensions.
Note: The primary is two weeks away; with California’s jungle primary rules in place, the coming days will determine whether parties can consolidate support or watch the top-two result reshape the November ballot.
