Xavier Becerra advanced to California’s November governor election after the June 2 primary, as late counts finalized on June 6 across the state. The veteran Democrat secured nearly 27% of the votepositioning himself to become California’s first Latino governor in more than a century if he wins in November.
The outcome matters because the second spot on the November ballot remains unsettled between Tom Steyer and Steve Hiltonshaping either an intraparty clash or a partisan face-off in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one. Last update: June 7, 2026.
Late-count surge and primary dynamics
Becerra’s ascent followed a late surge as more ballots were counted after Election Day, reversing early returns that had favored Steve Hiltona Republican and former TV commentator endorsed by Donald Trump. For much of the campaign Becerra polled in single digits, but momentum shifted after the political implosion of former frontrunner Eric Swalwellwho exited the race following sexual assault allegations, consolidating undecided Democrats behind Becerra’s experience and moderate tone.
The primary, held statewide on June 2, 2026unfolded without an incumbent because Governor Gavin Newsom faced term limits. Becerra emphasized his working-class roots, long tenure in Congress, his service as California attorney general, and his stint as U.S. health secretary under President Joe Biden. His allies in labor and industry, along with key establishment Democrats, rallied to him over rivals including former Rep. Katie Porter and outsider Tom Steyer.
Who Becerra could face: Steve Hilton or Tom Steyer
If Hilton secures the second slot, Becerra would enter a general election where party registration and Trump’s unpopularity in California could confer an advantage. No Republican has won statewide office in the state since 2006, and Hilton’s close alignment with the former president could be a liability. Becerra’s team has framed November as a choice between continuity and a return to national partisan fights, underscoring his years of lawsuits against Trump while attorney general.
If Steyer emerges, the race becomes an intraparty contest between competing Democratic visions. Steyer, a hedge fund manager-turned-climate activist, has run a progressive campaign backed by Bernie Sanders surrogates and poured more than $215 million of personal funds into the primary. A Becerra–Steyer matchup would pit establishment support and incremental governance against sweeping climate and social policy ambitions.
Record spending, controversies and endorsements
Becerra’s campaign weathered sustained attacks. Critics resurfaced complaints about his leadership during the pandemic and his department’s role in the 2026 migrant children crisis, when shelters faced scrutiny and the vetting of sponsors was faulted. Two former aides pleaded guilty to siphoning campaign funds; Becerra said he was unaware of the transfers. In the final stretch, Steyer funded negative ads suggesting exposure to federal legal risk, while Becerra countered with his record and stability message.
Despite the hits, Becerra benefited from establishment endorsements and a unified Democratic apparatus after Swalwell’s exit. His low-key style and positioning—liberal by national standards yet relatively moderate within California—helped him consolidate late-deciding voters. Early tallies that boosted Hilton narrowed as ballots were processed, and Becerra’s share settled near 27%enough to secure advancement even as the second-place fight remained close.
Policy signals and the road to November
On policy, Becerra has outlined adjustments rather than wholesale departures from Governor Newsom’s two terms. He signaled a willingness to slow certain greenhouse gas reduction mandates and the transition to clean energy if needed to keep gasoline prices in check—an issue sharpened by global instability and a war in Iran. He proposed declaring a state of emergency to freeze utility and home insurance rates while state authorities examine cost drivers and market exits by insurers.
Becerra also pledged stricter enforcement of existing housing laws to push localities to plan for construction, aiming at affordability amid a crushing cost of living. He has tied his candidacy to budget steadiness and protecting California’s expansive health system from impending federal cuts, while maintaining the state’s stance as a legal counterweight to Trump-aligned policies. “You can have all these great inflated promises,” he said of rivals. “But delivery is more important.” As ballots continue to be processed, the unresolved second slot will determine whether November brings a partisan contest with Hilton or an intraparty showdown with Steyer.
