Candidates in California's crowded gubernatorial race made a final push for votes Tuesday, as three leading contenders sought to distinguish themselves in a closely watched primary.
Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra made last-minute campaign stops in SoCal in a final push for California governor. Meanwhile, Steve Hilton asked Chad Bianco to drop out of the race.
Supporters shook hands and rallied voters as polling opened, underscoring the urgency of an election.
"There are really only three people for two spots," billionaire businessman Tom Steyer said.
Steyer, who has poured more than $200 million of his personal fortune into the race, campaigned Tuesday morning along Los Angeles' new D-Line extension, greeting riders and emphasizing his campaign message.
"I've been trying really hard to work for California people, taking no money from corporations. They're spending tens of millions of dollars against me, but I recognize that the people can't afford to live here anymore," he said.
Steyer, polling in third place, is attempting to overtake Republican Steve Hilton, who is working to consolidate conservative voters and prevent two Democrats from advancing to the November election.
California has not had a Republican governor in 15 years after former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.
"People are done with all the taxes and chaos and the crime and the homeless, the high cost of gas and the high cost of housing," he said. "It's obvious we need change in California, and this is our moment to get it."
Both candidates remain behind former state Attorney General and Biden cabinet member Xavier Becerra, who has made fewer public appearances in recent days but continues to campaign on addressing the state's housing crisis.
"On my first day as governor, I will declare California's housing shortage a state of emergency," he said. "No more studies, no more task forces. We have homes to build right now."
The gubernatorial primary has surpassed $315 million in ad spending and reservations, according to AdImpact, making it the most expensive governor's race on record.
