Xavier Becerra has secured a spot in the November general election for California governor, achieving a stunning come-from-behind victory in the state's crowded primary. The former California attorney general and US health secretary emerged from a turbulent campaign season, with election officials still counting ballots to determine whether he will face Democrat Tom Steyer or Republican Steve Hilton in the fall.
Becerra's Unexpected Rise
Becerra's advance in the nation's largest Democratic stronghold was, in his own words, the 'Hollywood ending' few anticipated. Just months ago, polling at 3%, he faced pressure from his own party to drop out. 'The underdog stayed in the fight,' Becerra told supporters at his election night party, as early returns showed him with a strong chance of prevailing.
Primary Opponents and Challenges
It remains unclear whether Becerra will face Steyer, the environmental activist who spent over $200 million of his personal fortune on the campaign, or Hilton, a former UK political operative endorsed by Donald Trump. Steyer focused on voter frustration over housing costs, homelessness, and public safety, while Hilton's early lead diminished as more ballots were counted.
Despite the ongoing count and expectations that late-mail ballots would favor Democrats, former President Trump prematurely declared Hilton the winner and baselessly accused the state of election rigging. Hilton said, 'Change is coming,' but stopped short of declaring victory.
General Election Outlook
Any Republican faces an uphill battle in California, where Democrats hold a two-to-one voter registration advantage. Running with Trump's endorsement, unpopular in the state, makes Hilton's path even more difficult. A contest between Becerra and Steyer would guarantee a Democrat in the governor's mansion, setting the stage for a contentious debate over the party's future.
The uncertainty reflects California's top-two primary system, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party. The race was unusually fluid, with a sprawling field of Democrats competing to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. High-profile figures like Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla passed on the bid.
Campaign Turmoil and Consolidation
Just as Democrat Eric Swalwell gained traction, his campaign imploded over sexual assault allegations, which he denied. Swalwell ended his campaign and resigned from Congress. In the aftermath, Becerra unexpectedly consolidated support among Democratic voters. Despite missteps, including a viral clip where he asked a reporter, 'This is not a gotcha piece, right?' and criticism from former Biden officials, Becerra continued to rise.
If elected, Becerra would be California's first Latino governor in modern history.
