The Results Are In: Meet the Next Governor of California
Sacramento, California - June 8, 2026
Xavier Becerra Secures Spot in California Gubernatorial General Election
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has advanced to California’s November gubernatorial election after CNN’s Decision Desk projected him as one of the top two finishers in Friday’s primary. The result guarantees that Democrats will have a nominee on the general election ballot under the state’s top-two primary system.
Becerra built a lead that eliminated any doubt about his advancement. In a video posted to X, he expressed gratitude for the outcome.
“I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor. Let’s go win this thing.”
The projection brought relief to California Democrats, who had expressed concern that vote splitting among multiple candidates could allow two Republicans to advance to the November ballot.
Unresolved Second Spot
The contest for the second runoff position remains unresolved. Republican Steve Hilton, the former Fox News host backed by President Donald Trump, continues to compete for the spot alongside Democratic activist and billionaire Tom Steyer. Election officials have not yet projected which candidate will claim the second position.
Since Election Day, Becerra steadily expanded his lead over both Hilton and Steyer. If Hilton ultimately advances, he would face a difficult path in the general election in a state where Democrats hold a significant registration advantage of approximately 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans.
The last Republican to win the California governorship was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was reelected two decades ago.
Democratic Primary Challenges
The Democratic primary highlighted difficulties for the party. Several prominent figures who might have consolidated support chose not to run, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla. Without a clear frontrunner, the field remained divided for much of the campaign.
Former Rep. Katie Porter briefly emerged as a leading candidate before her campaign ended following the circulation of controversial videos. Attention later shifted to then-Rep. Eric Swalwell after he entered the race in late 2025. His campaign concluded after reports of alleged sexual misconduct surfaced. Swalwell denied the accusations but withdrew from the race and resigned from Congress.
Becerra, a former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden administration cabinet secretary, capitalized on the openings. His campaign emphasized experience and leadership in managing complex government challenges.
Record and Criticisms
Throughout the race, opponents criticized Becerra’s record on issues including the federal response to the child migrant crisis and the mpox outbreak. He also faced questions after a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds, although Becerra himself has not been accused of wrongdoing in the matter.
Supporters defended his tenure. Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously told CNN that Becerra inherited difficult situations and worked tirelessly to address them.
Additional Contests
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In a separate high-profile race, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has already secured a place in the November election. The contest for second place between reality television personality Spencer Pratt and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman remains undecided as additional ballots continue to be counted.
For Democrats statewide, Becerra’s advancement removed one significant uncertainty. Regardless of which candidate joins him on the November ballot, Becerra will compete for governor in the general election.
