SACRAMENTO — Democrat Xavier Becerra has advanced to the November general election in California’s gubernatorial race after emerging as the top vote-getter in the state’s June 2 primary, according to projections by multiple news organizations.
The Associated Press and other outlets called Becerra’s advancement on Friday, June 5, as additional ballots were tallied. Becerra, a former U.S. secretary of health and human services and California attorney general, will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the fall under the state’s top-two primary system.
With about two-thirds of ballots counted, Becerra held a narrow lead over Republican Steve Hilton, while Democrat Tom Steyer trailed in third place. An estimated millions of mail-in ballots remained to be processed as of Friday evening.
Becerra, who served as California’s attorney general from 2017 to 2021 before joining President Joe Biden’s cabinet, campaigned on his experience in state and federal government and his record of challenging federal policies. He positioned himself as a defender of California’s priorities on health care, civil rights and economic issues.
“I am running on my record,” Becerra said in a campaign statement. “Right now, I can tell you, I’ve taken on a reckless federal government. I have taken on ruthless corporations. I have defended workers’ wages.”
The primary featured a crowded field of candidates from both major parties, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U.S. Rep. Katie Porter and others on the Democratic side, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for Republicans. The race followed the term limit of incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Becerra’s late surge in the campaign drew support from labor groups, progressive organizations and Democratic leaders. His campaign emphasized protecting the state from potential federal overreach under the current Trump administration.
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, led early returns but was overtaken as later mail ballots favoring Democrats were counted. Hilton has not conceded the second spot, and the battle between him and Steyer for the general election ballot remained unresolved.
California’s top-two system advances the two candidates with the most votes to the November ballot regardless of party. The state continues to count ballots postmarked by Election Day, with certification deadlines extending into July.
No official results from the California Secretary of State’s office had certified the full primary outcome as of Saturday. Election officials said counting would continue over the coming days. Becerra’s campaign celebrated the advancement while calling for unity ahead of the general election.
The November contest will determine California’s next governor in a state that remains a Democratic stronghold, though primary dynamics highlighted divisions within the party and voter concerns over housing, health care and the economy.
