California Gubernatorial Race Heats Up with Becerra Leading
In a dramatic turn of events, Xavier Becerra has secured a spot in the November elections for California governor, as announced by The Associated Press. The race continues to be a nail-biter with uncertainty over who will join Becerra for the upcoming fall election.
California employs a unique primary system where candidates from all parties appear on a single ballot, accessible to all registered voters. The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. Currently, there are approximately 3.5 million ballots yet to be counted, with mail-in ballots still being accepted up to seven days post-Election Day, provided they are postmarked on time.
The last time California experienced a primary like this was back in the late 1990s. The stakes are high, as the winner will govern the nation’s most populous state, tackling significant issues such as budget deficits, costly living conditions, homelessness, and wildfire threats. With incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, unable to run due to term limits and potentially eyeing a 2028 presidential bid, the race is wide open.
Becerra, known for his role as the Health and Human Services Secretary under President Joe Biden, has made a surprising comeback in the political arena. Just a few months ago, in April, Becerra was trailing in polls with single-digit support amidst a crowded field. His resurgence has been remarkable.
In a statement, Becerra expressed his gratitude and determination: “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.”
The battle for the second spot remains intense. Republican businessman Steve Hilton maintains an advantage over Democratic activist Tom Steyer, though Steyer is quickly gaining as more ballots are tallied. Hilton, endorsed by President Trump, has surpassed Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, the other leading Republican contender. Hilton, originally from the UK, is a former Fox News commentator and political advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. His campaign focuses on altering California’s course after 16 years of Democratic leadership.
Should Hilton secure the second spot, Becerra’s path to victory appears straightforward. Given the Democratic majority in California, a Republican win seems unlikely, as no GOP candidate has won statewide in two decades. Conversely, if Steyer advances to the runoff, Becerra faces an intraparty challenge. Steyer, a former hedge fund manager, has invested over $213 million of personal funds into his campaign, rendering this the most financially intense gubernatorial race in California’s history.
This election season has been filled with unexpected twists. High-profile Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, have remained on the sidelines. In April, the race took another turn when U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew following allegations of sexual assault and harassment, which he has denied. Swalwell’s departure, after gaining momentum and endorsements, seemed to benefit Becerra significantly.
With the field narrowing, Democratic concerns about vote splitting have diminished, especially the fear of Bianco and Hilton claiming the top spots in June, which would have guaranteed a Republican governor. Instead, Becerra’s surge, bolstered by independent political groups, has reshaped the race.
