Xavier Becerra Advances to November Election in California Governor’s Race
Democrat Xavier Becerra advances to November – Xavier Becerra, the Democrat running for California governor, has secured his place in the November general election, according to CBS News projections. This marks the first major milestone in a heated contest to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and will step down after serving two terms. The race has narrowed to a final two-candidate showdown, with Becerra emerging as the top contender after a competitive primary phase.
Primary Race Tightens with Late Ballot Drops
The California governor’s race has remained fiercely contested throughout the primary period, with late ballot drops significantly altering the trajectory of the contest. Republican Steve Hilton initially led in early results, but Becerra gained the upper hand after surpassing him in the latest vote tallies. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of the election, where voter preferences can change rapidly based on new data and campaign momentum.
“California has spoken. Thank you for standing with us. To every volunteer who made a call, sent a text, knocked on a door, or showed up when it mattered most — this victory belongs to you,” Becerra wrote on Facebook. “We’re just getting started. On to November.”
With the top-two primary system in place, only the two candidates with the highest votes advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. This format has made the race unpredictable, as third-party and independent candidates can influence the outcome. Becerra’s path to the general election underscores the growing importance of Democratic unity and voter sentiment in a state where Republicans have historically struggled to gain traction.
Other Candidates Withdraw from Contention
As the primary results solidified, several high-profile candidates exited the race, acknowledging their inability to secure the necessary votes. Former Orange County Representative Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa all confirmed their withdrawal, leaving the field open for a more focused battle between Becerra and Tom Steyer. Meanwhile, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco remained in the running, representing the Democratic and Republican parties respectively.
“I will end this FARCE and make sure all votes are counted within 48 hours of the mail-in deadline,” said Steve Hilton during a press conference in the San Francisco Bay Area on Friday. His comments reflect the urgency and stakes of the primary, where every vote is crucial in determining who will face Becerra in the November election.
California’s primary process has been complicated by a combination of mail-in ballots and
