National

Xavier Becerra advances to general election for California governor, AP says

By Nicole Nixon, Dakota Smith and Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times The Tribune Content Agency
Xavier Becerra, former California attorney general and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services and current California gubernatorial candidate, speaks to supporters at the UFCW Local 1167 Union Hall in Bloomington, California, on Friday, May 29, 2026, as he barnstorms the state before the June 2 primary election. Becerra won one of the top two spots in California’s primary election for governor. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
Xavier Becerra, former California attorney general and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services and current California gubernatorial candidate, speaks to supporters at the UFCW Local 1167 Union Hall in Bloomington, California, on Friday, May 29, 2026, as he barnstorms the state before the June 2 primary election. Becerra won one of the top two spots in California’s primary election for governor. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS) Genaro Molina TNS

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Veteran Democratic politician Xavier Becerra won one of the top two spots in California's primary election for governor, a finish that puts Becerra in a prime position to win in November and make history as California's first elected Latino governor.

Former Republican Fox News host Steve Hilton remains in a close second and appears on the verge of securing the right to face-off with Becerra in the November election.

Tom Steyer, a hedge fund manager turned climate change activist, appears destined to finish in third place – which would deliver a disappointing end to a campaign that saturated California's television airwaves and digital devices thanks to the progressive Democrat spending $216 million of his own wealth.

Becerra's victory was declared by the Associated Press Friday night, three days after the June 2 election – an indication of both a competitive race and California's delayed process for counting ballots. Still, Becerra and Hilton were within a percentage point of one another, though that could change as the vote tally continues.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 8:34 PM.

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