Los Angeles, California - June 8, 2026

Xavier Becerra Advances to November as Steve Hilton Remains in Contention for Second Spot in California Governor’s Race

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has secured a place in California’s November gubernatorial election after CNN’s Decision Desk projected him as the top vote-getter in the June 2 primary. Becerra’s advancement guarantees Democrats a nominee on the general election ballot under the state’s top-two primary system.

The result provided relief for California Democrats concerned that a crowded field could allow two Republicans to advance. Becerra, a former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden cabinet secretary, centered his campaign on government experience and leadership during crises.

The race for the second runoff spot remains unresolved. Republican Steve Hilton, the Trump-backed former Fox News host, continues to compete alongside Democratic billionaire activist Tom Steyer. Election officials have not yet projected a winner for second place, though Becerra has steadily expanded his lead.

California remains heavily Democratic, with approximately 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans. The last Republican elected governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger two decades ago. If Hilton secures the second spot, he would face a challenging general election in the deep-blue state.

The Democratic primary was marked by several high-profile withdrawals and collapses. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla declined to run. Former Rep. Katie Porter’s campaign faltered after controversial videos surfaced, and then-Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid reports of alleged sexual misconduct, which he denied.

Becerra’s record faced attacks during the campaign, including criticism over the child migrant crisis response, the federal handling of the mpox outbreak, and fallout from a former chief of staff’s guilty plea in a campaign funds fraud case. Supporters argued many attacks were politically motivated and that Becerra inherited difficult situations.

Separately, the Los Angeles mayoral race also remains fluid. Incumbent Democrat Karen Bass has secured a November spot, while Republican reality television personality Spencer Pratt holds second place, though City Councilwoman Nithya Raman continues to gain ground with additional ballots.

Becerra expressed optimism about advancing, stating he is “humbled and honored” to move forward to the general election.