[Brief] In the California governor primary, Republican Steve Hilton has defeated billionaire Tom Steyer, setting up a November matchup against the Democratic winner. According to Politico, Steyer spent over $200 million of his own money but failed to win voter support.
Steyer’s “class traitor” campaign narrative — positioning himself as a billionaire standing with ordinary citizens — failed to resonate with California voters. Meanwhile, Hilton, a former political advisor, won the Republican nomination through his pragmatic approach to local issues.
Political strategists view this as evidence that “money politics” is losing its effectiveness. Voters are increasingly prioritizing candidate authenticity and policy substance over advertising volume. California, as the most populous US state and center of the tech industry, often serves as a bellwether for national political trends. This result may influence campaign strategies in other states throughout 2026.