Hilton, Becerra, in the lead with votes still being counted in battle for California governor

"Change is coming to California, and it's long overdue," Hilton told supporters at his primary night watch party in Orange County.

Hilton, in an exclusive Fox News Digital interview following his speech, said speaking "honest, simple truths" to voters boosted his campaign. "Everything is too expensive in California. We're going to cut people's costs," he pledged.

Becerra, who, if elected in November, would make history as California's first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco briefly served in 1875, told supporters that his campaign's success is "more than a Hollywood ending. More than a milestone. That's the everyday miracle of living in a state that makes the improbable seem inevitable. And I couldn't have done it without you."

Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund founder turned environmental activist who unsuccessfully ran for his party's 2020 presidential nomination and who has shelled out over $200 million of his own money in his bid for governor, was in third place as the results continued to be tabulated and as additional mail and provisional ballots remained to be counted. Meanwhile, more than $80 million in outside money has also been spent on the race.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, as well as Democratic candidates former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, were also among the whopping 61 candidates on the ballot.

In his speech, Hilton showed off the lining of his blazer, with American and California flags, that he said Schwarzenegger a few years ago urged him to wear. "Arnold, I did that for you," Hilton said.

Swalwell's exit from the race opened the door for first Steyer and then Becerra to rise in the polls.

Bianco, who launched his campaign for governor in April of last year, was among the top contenders in the race until Trump's endorsement of Hilton in early April appeared to blunt his momentum.