Trump and affordability loom over California governor's race between Becerra and Hilton

Californians choose their next governor on Tuesday, with Democrat Xavier Becerra facing Republican Steve Hilton in a contest shaped by feelings about President Donald Trump, the state's steep living costs and the candidates' differing résumés. The winner replaces Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is barred from a third term and is weighing a presidential bid. Hilton faces long odds, since Democrats make up about 45% of registered voters and Republicans about 25%, according to ABC News.

Becerra, a former state attorney general, congressman and U.S. health secretary under President Joe Biden, stresses more than 35 years in government and promises to keep California a liberal check on the Trump administration. Hilton, a onetime adviser in Britain and Fox News host who has never held office, casts that experience as the cause of unaffordable gas, housing and college. He has promised to abolish the DMV and bring gas down to $3 a gallon. Becerra rose after Eric Swalwell left the race amid assault allegations, which Swalwell denies, and he has tried to link Hilton to Trump, who endorsed the Republican.

Separately, the Justice Department sued over alleged noncitizen registrations, and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected its demand on Monday.

Summarized by PolitiKool from ABC News’s reporting. Read the full story at ABC News →