Veteran Democratic politician Xavier Becerra has secured a position in the November gubernatorial election, positioning him as a frontrunner to become California's first elected Latino governor. The Associated Press declared his advancement following the state's primary election.
In a statement released Friday, Becerra expressed his confidence, stating, "The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly. We will not be bought. We will not be bullied. And we are never backing down. November, here we come." He is set to face Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host who is in a close second place. Tom Steyer, a progressive Democrat and climate change activist, appears destined for third place, concluding a campaign notable for its extensive spending.
Becerra's victory was confirmed by the Associated Press on Friday evening, three days after the June 2 election. This outcome underscores the competitive nature of the race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and highlights California's methodical ballot counting process. While Becerra and Hilton are separated by a narrow margin, Steyer faces significant challenges in reaching the top two spots, as per California's primary system where only the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party affiliation.
Becerra enters the general election with a notable advantage, given that Democratic voters in California significantly outnumber Republicans, a demographic trend that has seen no Republican win a statewide race since 2006. While President Trump's endorsement bolstered Hilton's primary support among Republicans, it is likely to be a hindrance in a general election contest against Becerra, particularly as a majority of California voters favor a governor who opposes Trump's policies, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey.
Should he win, Becerra would make history as the first Latino governor of California in over 150 years, with the last Latino to hold the office being Lieutenant Governor Romualdo Pacheco, who briefly served in 1875. Beatriz Lopez, Executive Director of Voto Latino, remarked, "California has made history. Xavier Becerra’s advancement to the general election is a defining moment both for the state, and for the millions of Latino families who have been instrumental in shaping the state’s future." Despite Latinos constituting 40% of the state's population, their representation in government has historically lagged, prompting a focus on whether Becerra's leadership will yield tangible outcomes for these communities.
Becerra's campaign trajectory saw a significant surge, particularly after the withdrawal of former Representative Eric Swalwell amidst allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Political strategists attribute Becerra's rise to a well-timed advertising campaign and his consistent image as a calm, experienced leader. While Steyer's campaign investigated claims of bot accounts amplifying Becerra's online presence, Becerra's campaign denied any involvement. Experts suggest Becerra's extensive experience and steady demeanor appealed to a broad spectrum of voters, including Latinos, liberals, and moderates.
A seasoned politician, Becerra's career includes serving in the State Assembly, a 24-year tenure in Congress, and as California's Attorney General, where he frequently challenged Trump administration policies. His tenure as Health and Human Services Secretary has drawn some criticism, particularly regarding reports of unaccompanied migrant children working in hazardous conditions. Nevertheless, supporters emphasize his qualifications and extensive government experience, with labor leader Dolores Huerta stating, "He is qualified. He doesn’t have to go into a learning mode." Political science professor David Dixon added, "When our Constitution is threatened, we need people like him to be in positions of power to reclaim things we are losing now."
