Full Breakdown
Xavier Becerra Secures Spot in California Gubernatorial Runoff Amid Tight Primary
6/9/2026, 5:00:36 AM
Primary Results and the Top-Two System
The June 2, 2026 primary placed former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra in the lead with roughly 26-27 % of the vote, while Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton trailed by a fraction at about 26 % and Democrat billionaire Tom Steyer lagged near 21 % (AP, NBC News, CBS). California’s non-partisan “jungle” primary advances the two highest vote-getters to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. With two-thirds of ballots counted, officials projected Becerra’s advancement on Friday, but the second slot remains unconfirmed.
Background: Crowded Field and Late Surge
The race began with more than 60 candidates, including former Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Katie Porter, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Becerra lingered in the single-digit poll range through March. The abrupt exit of Swalwell in April, amid sexual-misconduct allegations, opened a vacuum that propelled Becerra from 5 % to the front of the pack by late May. Endorsements from labor groups, the California Chamber of Commerce, and high-profile Democrats followed his surge.
Key Candidates
- Xavier Becerra – 12-term congressman, California attorney general (2017-2021), HHS secretary (2021-2024).
- Steve Hilton – Former Fox News commentator, British-American aide to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Trump-endorsed Republican.
- Tom Steyer – Billionaire climate activist, self-funded progressive challenger who has spent over $200 million on the race.
Numbers: Vote Shares, Ballot Count, Funding
- Becerra: 1.73 million votes (?26.8 %); Hilton: 1.70 million (?26.4 %); Steyer: 1.36 million (?21 %).
- Over 6 million ballots counted; roughly 3 million remain, extending certification until at least 10 July.
- Total advertising spend tops $327 million, with Steyer accounting for 63 % and corporate donors (Chevron, PG&E) supporting Becerra.
Why It Matters: Historical and Policy Stakes
If elected, Becerra would be California’s first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco in 1875, reflecting the state’s 41 % Latino electorate. His platform promises emergency declarations to freeze utility and home-insurance rates, a housing-law enforcement push, and a moderated approach to greenhouse-gas mandates aimed at curbing soaring gas prices.
Official Statements & Responses
Becerra’s campaign emphasized experience and a “steady hand” against President Donald Trump, pledging to freeze utility costs and protect working families. Hilton framed the vote-counting process as a “farce,” urging faster ballot verification. President Trump publicly endorsed Hilton, asserting federal cooperation would “make California great again.” State officials reiterated that all mail-in ballots undergo identical verification regardless of arrival time.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic rivals highlighted Becerra’s HHS tenure, citing a New York Times investigation linking lax oversight to migrant-child labor placements. Critics also pointed to his campaign’s reliance on corporate donors, labeling him a “corporate shill.” Hilton attacked Democratic governance for failing to address the state’s high cost of living.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Becerra’s exact percentage (26.5 % vs 27.2 % vs 26.8 %) and on the margin separating him from Hilton (8,700 votes vs a narrower lead). The final opponent will not be known until the count of the remaining three million ballots is completed and results are certified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly. We are never backing down. November, here we come.” — 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
- “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
- “ That praise opens up a line of attack from Hilton, a former Fox News host who claims Sacramento Democrats have failed to meaningfully address the state’s high cost of living.” — Steve Hilton, campaign statement
- “He will work with me and the Federal Government, the money will flow because I have confidence in him (but not any of the others!), and we will MAKE CALIFORNIA GREAT AGAIN. Steve Hilton will NEVER let you down. VOTE NOW,” — Donald Trump, endorsement of Hilton
What’s Next
County election offices have up to 30 days to finish counting, with statewide certification slated for 10 July. The confirmed second-place finisher will shape the November contest: a Becerra-Hilton showdown would pit a Trump-backed Republican against a seasoned Democrat, while a Becerra-Steyer face-off would pit establishment experience against a progressive, billionaire challenger. Both scenarios will test California’s fiscal and climate policies heading into the 2026 midterms.
