California Governor Race: Xavier Becerra Advances

Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra will move to the November election for California governor, as announced by The Associated Press. Despite days of counting, the second candidate for the fall remains undecided.

California’s Primary System

California’s primary system is unique. All candidates, regardless of party, appear on one ballot open to any registered voter. The top two candidates proceed to the general election. An estimated 3.5 million ballots are uncounted. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted if they arrive up to seven days later.

This wide-open primary is a rarity since the late 1990s. The winner in November will lead California, facing challenges like a large deficit, high living costs, homelessness, and wildfire risks. Current Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is term-limited and is widely speculated to pursue a presidential run in 2028.

Xavier Becerra’s Unexpected Comeback

Becerra, a former Health and Human Services Secretary under President Biden, has made a notable comeback in the state’s political scene. In April, polls showed Becerra, also a former Congress member and California attorney general, with little support in a crowded field.

The people of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken loudly and proudly. We will not be bought. We will not be bullied. And we are never backing down. November, here we come.

Becerra declared in a statement.

The Battle for Second Place

Republican businessman Steve Hilton currently leads over billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer. As ballots continue to be counted, Steyer gains ground. Hilton was endorsed by President Trump in April and has surpassed Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in later polls. Hilton, previously a Fox News commentator and adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigned for change after 16 years of Democratic governance.

If Hilton wins, Becerra may have a straightforward victory. Republicans face a tough challenge in a state with nearly twice as many Democrats, without a GOP win for statewide office in two decades. If Steyer advances, Becerra will face a more intense contest. Steyer has poured over $213 million into his campaign, making this the most expensive governor race in California.

Unexpected Developments

This election season has seen many surprises. Notable Democrats such as former Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta abstained from the race. In April, then-U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell’s campaign collapsed due to sexual assault allegations, leading to his resignation. Swalwell’s departure, despite denials, benefited Becerra, narrowing the field and easing Democratic concerns over vote splitting, which could have favored Republicans. Ultimately, Becerra advanced with support from independent political groups.