Hilton, Becerra, Steyer in early lead in California governor’s race as vote count continues

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California — Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton whipped a standing-room-only election-night crowd into a frenzy when he revealed the lining of his suit jacket, emblazoned with the American flag on one side and the California flag on the other.

Hilton, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, took the stage shortly after 10 p.m. as early returns showed him leading in the governor’s race. Democrat Xavier Becerra also had a strong showing, while billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer seemed to be in third place.

Surrounded by yellow-and-blue balloons and signs reading “Change is coming!,” Hilton thanked voters for propelling his first political campaign. Speaking to supporters gathered at the Hilton hotel in Huntington Beach, Hilton declared that “the fight really starts tomorrow.”

“As someone who is a new American citizen, so proud to be an American, so proud to be a Californian, what an incredible honor,” he said. “The first