Democratic candidate for governor in California, Xavier Becerra, speaks to supporters during his election night gathering at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes on June 2 in Los Angeles, Calif.
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Mario Tama/Getty Images
SAN FRANCISCO — The Associated Press has announced that Democrat Xavier Becerra is advancing to the November election for California governor. After several days of counting ballots, it’s still uncertain who will secure the second spot for the fall election.
California’s unique primary system allows all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to appear on a single ballot that is open to any registered voter. The top two candidates then advance to the general election. Currently, there are about 3.5 million ballots yet to be counted. The state also accepts mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive within seven days after.
This is the first wide-open primary in California since the late 1990s. The winner in November will lead the most populous state in the nation, dealing with challenges such as a significant deficit, high living costs, homelessness, and wildfire risks. Current Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is term-limited and is often speculated to be preparing for a presidential bid in 2028.
Becerra, who previously served as Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, has made a remarkable comeback in the state’s political scene. As recently as April, Becerra was polling in single digits in a crowded race.
“The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly,” Becerra stated. “We will not be bought. We will not be bullied. And we are never backing down. November, here we come.”
For the second spot, Republican businessman Steve Hilton is currently leading over billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer, though Steyer is gaining ground as the ballot count continues.
Hilton, endorsed by President Trump in April, has outpaced Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the other major Republican contender. Hilton, originally from Britain, is a former Fox News commentator and was an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. He has campaigned for change in California after 16 years under Democratic control.
If Hilton wins, Becerra’s chances of victory in November increase significantly. Winning statewide would be difficult for any Republican in a state where Democrats have nearly double the number of registered voters, and no Republican has won a statewide office in 20 years.
If Steyer secures the second spot, Becerra could face a tougher challenge. The billionaire has invested more than $213 million of his own money into his campaign, making this the most expensive gubernatorial race in California’s history.
This election season has been full of unexpected turns. Prominent Democrats like former Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta decided not to enter the race.
In April, the race took a dramatic turn when then-U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign collapsed amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment. Swalwell resigned from Congress shortly after the allegations emerged, which he has denied. His exit appeared to benefit Becerra the most.
The narrowed field of candidates eased concerns among Democrats about splitting their votes, which could have resulted in Bianco and Hilton taking the top spots in the primary. Such a scenario would have guaranteed a Republican governor in a state where Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans. Instead, Becerra surged ahead, aided by independent political groups supporting his campaign.
