The political landscape in California has taken an exciting turn as Xavier Becerrathe former Health and Human Services Secretaryhas advanced to the general election in the state’s governor’s race. This development comes after a primary season filled with twists and turns, ultimately positioning Becerra as the sole Democratic candidate in the runoff.
With approximately two-thirds of the expected votes tallied, Becerra emerged with about 27% of the vote. His closest competitors are Steve Hiltona Republican and former Fox News host, and Tom Steyera Democratic billionaire activist. Hilton and Steyer are locked in a tight race for the second spot in the general election, with Hilton slightly ahead at 26% and Steyer close behind at 21%.
Becerra’s Remarkable Political Resurgence
Becerra’s journey to the top of the polls has been nothing short of remarkable. For much of the campaign, he languished in the low single digits in the polls. However, his fortunes changed dramatically after former Rep. Eric Swalwell abruptly exited the race in April amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, which he has denied. This shift allowed Becerra to leapfrog ahead of his competitors and secure his position as the Democratic frontrunner.
Becerra’s campaign has been built on his extensive experience in government, portraying himself as a mainstream and moderate Democrat. His resume includes serving as California’s attorney general and a 12-term congressman. If elected, he would make history as California’s first Latino governor in modern times.
The Road Ahead: Becerra’s Potential Opponents
The identity of Becerra’s opponent in the general election remains uncertain. Steve Hilton, a British-American who became a U.S. citizen in 2026, has focused his campaign on tax cuts, reducing regulatory red tape, and increasing homeownership. His campaign received a significant boost when former President Donald Trump endorsed him in April, helping to consolidate the Republican vote.
On the other hand, Tom Steyer has positioned himself as the progressive champion in the race. He has emphasized his support for single-payer healthcare, taxing oil company profits, and a billionaire tax. Steyer has invested nearly $200 million of his own money into his campaign, blanketing the state’s airwaves with advertisements.
The Impact of California’s Unique Election System
California’s election system plays a significant role in the outcome of the governor’s race. The state uses an open primary systemwhere all candidates run on the same ballot, and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. Additionally, California sends mail-in ballots to every registered voter, and these ballots are allowed to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days of the election. This prolongs the tallying of votes and adds an element of uncertainty to the race.
With an estimated 3 million ballots remaining to be counted, the final outcome of the primary election is still uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Xavier Becerra’s political resurgence has set the stage for an intriguing general election showdown in California.
