Republican Steve Hilton to face Democrat Xavier Becerra in California governor’s race

NBC News projected Tuesday that Hilton, a former Fox News host, will advance from a crowded all-party primary field to the general election.

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton has advanced to the general election in the California gubernatorial race, NBC News projects, where he will face former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

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Hilton, a Republican, emerged from a crowded primary where candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot and the top two vote getters move on. NBC News projected Friday that Becerra, a Democrat, would advance.

With 88% of the expected vote tallied one week after polls closed, Becerra was taking about 28% support compared to 25% for Hilton. Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer was in third with roughly 23%, while Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco was the only other candidate in double digits, with 10%.