Xavier Becerra Advances to November Gubernatorial Ballot, Easing Democratic Concerns in California Primary
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has clinched one of the top two positions in California’s crowded gubernatorial primary, projecting him into the November general election as the leading Democratic contender to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
CNN’s Decision Desk projected Becerra’s advancement Friday after he established an insurmountable lead over rivals competing for the state’s top-two primary runoff spots. The development represents a significant relief for California Democrats, who had grown increasingly anxious that a fragmented field could allow two Republicans to advance under the state’s nonpartisan primary system, potentially shutting Democrats out of the general election for the state’s top office.
“I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor,” Becerra said in a video statement posted to X. “Let’s go win this thing.”
While Becerra’s place on the November ballot is now secure, the contest for the second runoff position remains fluid. Former Fox News host Steve Hilton — the Republican candidate who has earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump — and billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer are still battling for the runner-up spot. Election officials have yet to project a winner, though Becerra has steadily widened his advantage over both candidates as additional ballots have been tallied since Election Day.
California’s voter registration landscape heavily favors Democrats, who outnumber Republicans by approximately 4.6 million voters according to the latest figures from the Secretary of State’s office. The state has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger secured reelection more than two decades ago, underscoring the formidable challenge any GOP candidate would face in the general election.
The primary campaign laid bare significant vulnerabilities and divisions within the Democratic Party in the nation’s most populous state. Several high-profile Democrats who might have consolidated support chose not to enter the race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla. The absence of a dominant frontrunner led to a splintered field for much of the cycle.
Former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) initially surged as an early favorite but saw her campaign collapse after controversial videos circulated that eroded voter confidence. Attention later turned to then-Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who entered the race in late 2025 only to withdraw abruptly following reports of alleged sexual misconduct. Swalwell denied the allegations but resigned from Congress shortly thereafter.
Becerra, a longtime congressman, former California attorney general, and Biden administration cabinet official, moved quickly to fill the void. His campaign centered on his extensive executive experience and proven ability to manage complex government operations during periods of crisis. Throughout the race, Becerra positioned himself as the steady, battle-tested leader California needed to address its multifaceted challenges, from housing and homelessness to public safety and economic recovery.
Opponents, however, aggressively targeted Becerra’s record. Critics pointed to his handling of the child migrant crisis at the southern border and the federal government’s response to the mpox outbreak during his time at HHS. He also faced political scrutiny after a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds, although Becerra himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the matter. Supporters pushed back, arguing that many of the attacks were politically motivated and that Becerra had inherited difficult situations from previous administrations. Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously defended Becerra to CNN, noting that he “inherited difficult situations and worked tirelessly to address them.”
As the gubernatorial contest moves forward, a separate high-profile race in Los Angeles also remains unresolved. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass has secured her spot on the November ballot, but the battle for second place continues. Reality television personality Spencer Pratt currently holds a narrow advantage, though City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has gained significant ground as more ballots are counted, according to CNN.
For California Democrats, Friday’s projection removed a major strategic headache. Regardless of whether the second-place finisher is Hilton, Steyer, or another contender, Becerra will represent the party in what is expected to be a fiercely contested — yet historically Democratic-leaning — general election.
The outcome also highlights the evolving dynamics of California politics in the post-Newsom era. With Democrats maintaining a commanding structural advantage, the race will test whether experience and institutional knowledge can prevail over outsider appeals and calls for dramatic change in a state grappling with persistent issues like affordability, crime, and infrastructure strain.
This article may contain commentary reflecting the author’s perspective.
