Full Breakdown
Xavier Becerra Secures Spot in California Gubernatorial Runoff
6/8/2026, 6:17:36 AM
Becerra Advances to November Ballot
Former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra captured one of the two top-two primary slots on June 2, advancing to the November gubernatorial election. The second slot remains contested between Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer.
Background and Candidate Field
California’s nonpartisan primary places all candidates on a single ballot; the top two advance regardless of party. Over 60 candidates entered, with three leaders: Xavier Becerra (D), former state attorney general and HHS secretary, backed by labor groups; Steve Hilton (R), former Fox News commentator endorsed by President Donald Trump; and Tom Steyer (D), billionaire climate activist who has spent >$200 million of his own money. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s April exit cleared a path for Becerra’s surge. State mails ballots to 23 million voters, extending the count.
Vote Totals and Election Mechanics
Becerra has about 26-27 % of the vote, Hilton a similar share, and Steyer near 21 %. Roughly 3.5 million ballots remain uncounted; about 80 % of votes are mail-in. Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one.
Why the Outcome Matters
A Becerra win would make him the first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco in 1875. The governor inherits a multibillion-dollar budget, housing, energy and wildfire challenges. A Becerra-Hilton race would likely favor the Democrat; a Becerra-Steyer contest would guarantee a Democratic governor but could trigger a costly party fight.
Official Statements & Responses
Becerra’s campaign highlighted his experience and pledged to freeze utility and home-insurance rates and to declare an emergency. Trump administration alleged ballot fraud, prompting a monitor of Los Angeles ballots. Hilton called the mail-in system a “farce” and urged faster counting. Steyer’s campaign emphasized single-payer health care and a billionaire tax.
Criticism & Opposition
Biden officials questioned Becerra’s pandemic and migrant-child handling. Steyer and an anti-Steyer PAC accused him of corporate backing and being “bought.” Hilton called him a “status-quo” figure linked to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on percentages (e.g., Becerra reported at 26.0 % vs 27 %; Hilton at 26.4 % vs 27.2 %). Certification may take up to 30 days, with a July 10 deadline cited. The final opponent remains unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly,” — Xavier Becerra, candidate
- “We will not be bought. We will not be bullied. And we are never backing down. November, here we come.” — Xavier Becerra, candidate
- “We don’t want cheating in our elections. You see it in California. Those numbers are coming down rapidly. They found a lot of mail-in ballots last night, shockingly. We don’t want that,” — Donald Trump, President
- “He said, if elected, he "will end this FARCE and make sure all votes are counted within 48 hours of the mail-in deadline.” — Steve Hilton, Republican candidate
What’s Next
Ballot verification must finish by early July; the state will certify results by July 10. The confirmed second-place finisher will join Becerra on the November ballot, where the campaign will focus on housing, energy costs, and climate policy.
