Story perspectives

Xavier Becerra Advances as First Latino in California Primary

6/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Xavier Becerra (candidate) became the first Latino to advance from California’s gubernatorial primary to the November general election.
Late-counted ballots gave Becerra a sub-one-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton, leading the Associated Press to call the race for him at 7:50 p.m. EDT with 26.7% to 26.4%.
Becerra said the win reflects working Californians, pledged to carry his message into November, and noted that officials have not yet certified the results.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 President Barack Obama nominated Hilda Solis, a former California congresswoman, as Secretary of Labor, making her the first Latina to head a permanent U.S. cabinet department. Her confirmation on February 24 followed earlier milestones such as Lauro Cavazos’s 1988 cabinet debut and Aida Álvarez’s 1997 SBA role, bringing the Obama administration’s total of five Latino cabinet appointees to a record.

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Story summary

Xavier Becerra (candidate) became the first Latino to advance from California’s gubernatorial primary to the November general election.
Late-counted ballots gave Becerra a sub-one-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton, leading the Associated Press to call the race for him at 7:50 p.m. EDT with 26.7% to 26.4%.
Becerra said the win reflects working Californians, pledged to carry his message into November, and noted that officials have not yet certified the results.

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