Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra (D-CA) advanced to the general election for California governor on June 5, 2026.
The result places Becerra in a high-stakes runoff for the state's top executive office, signaling a potential shift in leadership for the most populous state in the U.S.
Becerra secured the top spot in the primary by receiving 26.7% of the vote [1]. He outperformed Republican Steve Hilton, who finished with 26.4% [1]. Democrat Tom Steyer placed third in the primary contest [1].
The path to the runoff was influenced by the unexpected withdrawal of Eric Swalwell from the race. Becerra's victory ensures he will be one of the two candidates vying for the governorship in the November general election.
As a former federal cabinet member and attorney general for California, Becerra brings extensive administrative and legal experience to the race. His performance in the primary reflects a competitive divide between the leading Democratic and Republican candidates, a margin of only 0.3% separating the top two finishers [1].
The general election will now determine whether the state continues under Democratic leadership or shifts toward the Republican platform represented by Hilton.
“Xavier Becerra secured the top spot in the primary by receiving 26.7% of the vote”
The narrow margin between Becerra and Hilton indicates a highly competitive race for the California governorship. While the state typically leans Democratic, the close primary results suggest that the November runoff will be a critical test of candidate appeal and party mobilization in a diverse electorate.
