Xavier Becerra Secures Spot in California Governor General Election

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and ex‑California attorney general Xavier Becerra has claimed one of the two slots in the November 2026 general election for California governor. After the June 2 top‑two primary, Becerra led with roughly 26.7 % of the vote, overtaking Republican former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, who held about 26.4 %, while Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer trailed in third. Ballot counting continues, with millions of mail‑in ballots still to be processed.

Becerra campaigned on more than 35 years of public‑service experience, promising to tackle high energy costs, housing shortages and to freeze home‑insurance rates. He said, “The people of the great state of California … have spoken — loudly and proudly,” and added, “I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California’s promise.”

If elected, Becerra would become the first Latino governor of California since the late 1800s. The race has attracted national attention, with President Donald Trump criticizing the state's vote‑counting process and the Justice Department announcing investigations into alleged election‑fraud claims. Becerra’s opponents have highlighted his tenure as health secretary during the COVID‑19 pandemic and the 2021 migrant‑children crisis, but his surge follows the withdrawal of front‑runner Eric Swalwell and a consolidation of Democratic support.