By Ricardo Roura
Democrat Xavier Becerra closed the gap with Republican Steve Hiltonwho is leading in the primary, following an update on the California gubernatorial vote count provided by the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters Office.
With the latest data, published around 5:00 pm, Becerra was in second place in the race, with 26% (1,420,809 votes), while Hilton consolidated his lead, with 28% (1,318,246 votes), after the recount of 56% of the ballots.
Hilton had positioned himself as one of the most serious contenders to end up between the two candidates who would advance to the November general elections, even with fellow Republican Chad Bianco, with Democrats fearing being left out of the race.
Keep reading: Hilton and Becerra consolidate leadership in the California gubernatorial primaries
However, in recent weeks, Becerra’s campaign regained momentum until placing him in front in several of the polls prior to election day.
“We haven’t reached the goal yetbut the prospects are good,” Hilton declared after learning the trend of the preliminary results of the California gubernatorial election, and even assured that the Democrats could be surprised in the state race.
Becerra’s team has no reason to regret finishing in second place in the primaries, taking into account that the objective of advancing to the second round is yet to be met as soon as election officials confirm the results.
Keep reading: Closed fight between Becerra and Hilton after the start of counting votes for governor of California
“We know that the true miracle of democracy is this: It is the people, only the people, who have the last word. And tonight, the people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation in the world, spoke out with strength and pride,” Becerra highlighted.
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco They are about to be left without the possibility of aspiring to snatch either of the two places offered by the November ballot, placing third and fourth, respectively.
Steyer, Democratic candidate, has 19.8% (1,019,332 votes)while the Republican Bianco has 11.3% (580,389 votes).
Keep reading: Close races in California primaries
Determining the winner of the California gubernatorial primary it may take a few days to arriveas election officials continue counting votes, which began with mail-in ballots received before voting day.
Because California law allows mail-in ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive up to seven days later, final results may not be declared until a few days later.
Keep reading:
· California holds primary elections this June 2: everything is at stake
· They investigate possible cases of electoral interference in Los Angeles
· California primaries: Karen Bass and Xavier Becerra stand out in the electoral race
