Xavier Becerra advanced to the November runoff for California governor after the statewide primary, as the latest count showed him leading in California while Steve Hilton held a narrow second. With roughly two-thirds of expected votes tallied and an estimated 3.5 million ballots still uncounted, the second spot remained competitive across the state.
The result matters because California uses a top-two jungle primary in which all candidates run on a single ballot and the two highest finishers, regardless of party, move to November. Early returns put Becerra near 27%, Hilton around 26%, and Democrat Tom Steyer at about 21%, signaling a likely Democrat-versus-Republican matchup but leaving room for movement as mail-in ballots are processed. Last update: June 6, 2026.
Becerra’s late surge and campaign positioning
Becerra, a former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, California attorney general, and 12-term congressman, climbed from single-digit polling in April after former Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race amid sexual assault and harassment allegations, which he has denied. Becerra framed his campaign around experience and consumer relief, highlighting a plan to freeze insurance and utility rates. He acknowledged the night with a written statement: “The people of the great state 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.”
Hilton edges second as Steyer trails in a costly primary
Hilton, a former Fox News host and ex-aide to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, ran an unconventional bid marked by casual, often barefoot appearances and a platform centered on tax cutsderegulation for businesses, and boosting homeownership. Naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2026 and endorsed by former President Donald Trump, he courted Republican voters in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans roughly two-to-one. Steyer, a Democratic billionaire and climate activist, trailed in third after spending more than $213 million of his own money, driving record ad spending in what has become the most expensive gubernatorial contest in the state’s history.
Setbacks and scrutiny facing the frontrunner
Becerra’s rise came despite scrutiny from some former administration colleagues who questioned his management record and a series of negative headlines. Two former campaign consultants pleaded guilty to misappropriating funds, and a local TV interview drew backlash that briefly disrupted his message. The campaign emphasized resilience and governance experience, seeking to reassure voters wary of administrative capacity and to consolidate Democrats behind a single standard-bearer in the general election.
November stakes and the historic milestone in play
If Hilton secures the second runoff slot, Becerra would enter November favored in a Democratic-leaning state that has not elected a Republican statewide in nearly two decades. Should Steyer overtake Hilton as late ballots are counted, Democrats could face a costly intraparty showdown stretching into autumn. If elected, Becerra would be California’s first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco, who served briefly in 1875, underscoring a potential representation milestone alongside policy debates over affordability, homelessness, and immigration enforcement that have defined the campaign. Counting will continue as California processes outstanding mail-in ballots in the coming days.
