Laurel Rosenhall

By SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Six days before the California primary, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Wednesday intended to safeguard

Steve Hilton grabbed headlines when he worked in conservative politics in Britain. His American political renaissance in the California governor’s race has bemused former British colleagues and rivals.

The race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom has been unpredictable for months, while Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles is trying to fend off two challengers.

Tuesday’s nonpartisan primaries will determine candidates for November. A former Biden cabinet secretary, a one-time Fox News host and a billionaire are vying to replace the term-limited governor, Gavin Newsom.

For the first time in more than two decades, California voters are about to pick a new governor who is not already a national figure.

Polls will close at 8 p.m. local time, but California’s meticulous review process and heavy reliance on mail ballots mean races may not be called quickly.

He is a billionaire who appeals to many progressive groups in California.

The results of the primary election in the America’s most populous state might not be known for days.

Steve Hilton, a Republican, and Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, were leading in election night returns. Tom Steyer, another Democrat, urged patience as more votes were being counted.

The reality TV star Spencer Pratt could secure a spot in a runoff with Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles. Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, and Steve Hilton, a Republican, were leading in the governor’s race.