Steve Hilton, a former top adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron and a former Fox News host, will advance as one of two candidates in the race for California governor, US media outlets project.
After a week of counting ballots from the 2 June primary race, the British-born candidate secured his slot to move ahead in the election, edging out billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, a Democrat.
Hilton will face former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra in the general election in November.
President Donald Trump has backed Hilton. If he wins in November, he will be the first Republican governor in 15 years to run the liberal-leaning US state.
“I want you to know that I’m running for governor to be of service to you, to make sure that our government gets the basics right so that you can live your dreams,” Hilton said in a social media video after it was announced he was advancing in the race.
“The good thing about tonight is that now we know change is coming.”
More than 60 candidates, mostly Democrats, were on the ballot to replace current term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has been floated as a possible future presidential contender.
Newsom has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s policies as the state fights the administration over a variety of issues, from immigration to climate policies.
Hilton and Becerra will now spend the next few months battling to become California’s chief executive. That person is responsible for overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees and hundreds of state agencies.
The contest has become the most expensive California governor race on record, with immense ad spending by Steyer and Silicon Valley support for another Democratic candidate, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
