Xavier Becerra Leads Crowded California Gubernatorial Race

Former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra is the front-runner in California’s June 2 top-two primary for governor. He cites over 35 years in state and federal office—including as attorney general and U.S. House leader—to argue he can manage the state’s budget and policy challenges.

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

Becerra has endorsements from major labor unions, Latino leaders and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. Rivals include Republican Steve Hilton, sheriff Chad Bianco, Democrat Matt Mahan, Democrat Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Former DHS secretary Alejandro Mayorkas declined to endorse, calling himself “agnostic” about the race.

The Hill

Recent Emerson College, Kreate Strategies and Dave Binder polls (May 9-10) show Becerra at 19-22 % support, Hilton 17-23 %, and Steyer around 16-17 %; undecided voters range from 6-12 %.

Desert Sun

If elected, Becerra would be California’s first Latino governor since the 1800s. He proposes a state of emergency on housing affordability, a freeze on home-insurance rates, and expanded affordable health coverage. Critics note legal uncertainty over a governor’s authority to freeze insurance rates and a shifting stance on single-payer health care.

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

Becerra says he had no involvement in the campaign theft that led to his former chief of staff’s guilty plea, citing a U.S. attorney’s statement that no candidate was implicated. He defended his health-care record, urging a move toward a ‘Medicare for All’ approach. Steve Hilton warned Becerra to “prepare his criminal defense.” Alejandro Mayorkas reiterated his non-endorsement, noting his Washington, D.C. residence.

Orange County Register

Sources cite a 2021 migrant-child investigation that found 85,000 children “lost” after HHS released them to sponsors, labeling Becerra’s HHS tenure “fraudulent hospice claims.” Katie Porter called him “too much of a risk.” Xochitl Hinojosa said she lacks confidence in his leadership.

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

Sources differ on Becerra’s stance toward single-payer health care: Steyer’s campaign says he opposes it, while Becerra’s debate remarks support gradual move toward it. Polls vary by up to three points, each with a ±3 percentage-point margin of error. Experts dispute whether a governor can unilaterally freeze insurance rates, a claim Becerra says he would test in court.

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

• “The governor’s office is not a place with training wheels,” — Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

• “He has this breadth of experience that none of the other candidates have,” — Matt Barreto, UCLA Voting Rights Project

Xavier Becerra's decades in public office are a blessing and a curse in his California governor bid

• “I like you personally, Xavier, but you shouldn’t be … in this race,” — Steve Hilton

Orange County Register

Early voting runs through May 31. The final televised debate is set for May 14 in San Francisco. The June 2 primary will select the top two vote-getters for the November general election, where a Becerra win would mark a historic demographic milestone.

Desert Sun