GOP hopefuls clash in final push for Central Valley votes

In the final days before California's primary election, the two leading Republican candidates for governor—Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco—delivered closing arguments to a Central Valley audience, avoiding direct attacks on each other while criticizing Democratic leadership. Hilton, a former Fox News host, mocked Governor Gavin Newsom over a new $20 million diaper assistance program, calling him 'the great loaded diaper of California himself.' Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, emphasized public safety and infrastructure as key priorities. Both candidates highlighted water policy, with Hilton advocating for raising Shasta Dam and Bianco pledging to build necessary dams. Polling shows Hilton leading by 13 points, though Bianco disputes the data's validity, claiming it is Democratic-funded. The race is critical for Republicans, as California's 'jungle primary' system could leave the party without a candidate in November if voters split their support.