SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democrat Xavier Becerra secured the top spot in California's gubernatorial primary, advancing to the November general election to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, election officials said.
Becerra, a former California attorney general and U.S. health secretary, pulled ahead in late-counted ballots from the June 2 top-two primary, according to The Associated Press. With a majority of votes tallied, he finished first, setting up a matchup against the second-place finisher, whose identity remained unclear as counting continued.
The outcome marked a significant comeback for Becerra in a crowded field of more than 60 candidates. He emphasized his experience in state and federal roles, positioning himself as a defender of California priorities against federal policies under President Donald Trump.
"California needs proven leadership to protect our progress and fight back against the challenges we face," Becerra said in a statement following the primary results.
The primary featured multiple prominent Democrats, including Tom Steyer and others, alongside Republicans such as Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. Becerra consolidated support in the final stretch after the withdrawal of another candidate created an opening, campaign officials said.
California's top-two primary system advances the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party. Democrats have held the governor's office since 2011, and the state remains heavily Democratic, making the November contest widely viewed as favoring the leading Democrat.
Becerra served as California's attorney general from 2017 to 2021 before joining the Biden administration as secretary of health and human services. He returned to California politics after leaving federal office.
Republican candidates highlighted issues such as housing costs, crime and economic pressures during the campaign. Final results for second place were expected in the coming days as remaining ballots are processed.
As of Sunday, campaign teams for Becerra and potential general election opponents began preparing for the fall contest. Voter turnout details and full certified results were pending from the California Secretary of State's office.
