CA, US & World
Democrat Xavier Becerra Officially Advances to General Election in California Governor Race
SACRAMENTO, California — Former federal Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has officially advanced to the November general election in the high-stakes race to succeed outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom. According to comprehensive data and live election reporting tracked by NBC News at nbcnews.com/politics/2026-primary-elections/, Becerra completed a dramatic political ascent, vaulting from the back of a crowded primary field into a commanding position on the ballot.
Under California's unique top-two open primary system, all candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of political affiliation, with only the top two vote-getters moving forward. Becerra successfully secured his general election berth by consolidating the support of mainstream Democratic voters, capitalizing on his extensive governmental resume as the state's former attorney general and a long-time U.S. congressman. Campaigning on a platform of experience and practical competence, Becerra successfully convinced an electorate looking for stability.
While Becerra's place on the autumn ballot is now officially determined, the identity of his general election opponent remains uncalled. Current tabulations show Donald Trump-endorsed conservative commentator Steve Hilton holding a slim lead for the second-place spot, while billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer remains within striking distance. Steyer, who invested heavily from his personal fortune into an outsider campaign, has not yet conceded as election officials continue to process millions of outstanding mail-in ballots.
The official advancement of Becerra effectively ends the gubernatorial aspirations of a large pack of other notable candidates, including former Representative Katie Porter, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Political analysts suggest that Becerra enters the general election cycle with a significant structural advantage if his lead holds against Hilton, given that registered Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one across the state. State election administrators will continue to count remaining ballots over the coming days, which will determine whether November brings a traditional bipartisan showdown or an expensive battle between the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic party.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 5, 2026
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