California Governor Race: Xavier Becerra Advances to General Election

On Friday night, former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general Xavier Becerra made it past the state primary to the general election for California governor, casting himself as the most experienced candidate to lead the nation\u2019s largest state after Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom reaches term limits.

Becerra highlighted more than 35 years in public service, including the state attorney general’s office and the federal health department, to argue that he was the best choice among a crowded field of contenders.

I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California’s promise to make sure we have the governance worthy of our gifts, Becerra said at the election night reception.

The governor’s race is likely to be a three-way showdown. His chief opponents appear to be Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator with Donald Trump backing, and Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist who has invested $215 million of his personal wealth into his campaign.

Initially the campaign struggled to gain momentum, but a lost moment by former congressman Eric Swalwell over sexual assault allegations offered Becerra an opening to consolidate Democratic support.

During the campaign, rivals have scrutinized Becerra’s performance as health secretary during the COVID‑19 pandemic and the 2021 unaccompanied migrant children crisis. Critics point to reports of inadequate living conditions in shelters and security lapses involving sponsor vetting.

If elected, Becerra promises to declare states of emergency to tackle high energy costs, shortages in housing, and to freeze home insurance rates, thereby addressing key economic concerns for Californians.

California has historically elected largely white male governors; Becerra would be the first Latino governor since the late 1800s, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

Public access to the wrap‑up: Read the full AP coverage.