Xavier Becerra Secures Top Spot in California Governor Race as Second Place Remains Contested

Democrat Xavier Becerra has clinched the leading position in California's governor primary, advancing directly to the November general election, while the race for second place remains competitive between Republican Steve Hilton and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer. The outcome marks a remarkable political turnaround for Becerra, who was polling in single digits as recently as April.

The Primary System and Remaining Ballots

California's distinctive primary format allows all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, to compete on a single ballot available to any registered voter. The top two finishers advance to the general election, regardless of party. With an estimated 3.5 million ballots still uncounted and the state continuing to process mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day for up to seven days afterward, final results remain incomplete.

This primary represents the state's first wide-open contest since the late 1990s. The winner of November's election will lead the nation's most populous state while addressing significant challenges, including housing affordability, homelessness management, and wildfire preparedness. Incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat facing term limits, is widely expected to pursue the presidency in 2028.

The Second-Place Competition

In the race for the second advancing slot, Republican strategist Steve Hilton currently holds a narrow advantage with 26.1 percent support, compared to Democrat Tom Steyer's 21.3 percent. Hilton, a British-born former Fox News commentator and political adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, received an endorsement from President Trump in April. Steyer, despite trailing, has been gaining ground as ballots continue counting.

A victory by Hilton in the second position would likely establish a favorable path for Becerra in the general election, given California's Democratic registration advantage. Becerra, previously serving as a U.S. representative, California attorney general, and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, stated his campaign's intent to resist external pressures, declaring: "We will not be bought. We will not be bullied. And we are never backing down."