Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, has advanced to the general election for California governor. In one of the most expensive state elections in U.S. history, Becerra secured the top spot in a crowded and turbulent primary field. While he has clinched a spot on the November ballot, the second candidate to join him remains uncertain, though Republican Steve Hilton, a former UK political operative and Fox News personality endorsed by Donald Trump, appears to be a close second. Environmental activist Tom Steyer also competed in the race.
Becerra campaigned on his more than 35 years of public service, including roles as a congressman and state attorney general. He has positioned himself as a chief antagonist to Donald Trump, having filed over 120 legal actions against the first Trump administration regarding climate policy and immigration. If elected, Becerra stated he would declare states of emergency to address housing shortages and high energy costs, as well as freeze home insurance rates.
Despite his momentum, Becerra faced scrutiny from rivals regarding his leadership as health secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 unaccompanied migrant children crisis. Critics raised concerns over inadequate living conditions in shelters under the Department of Health and Human Services and failures by authorities to thoroughly vet sponsors with whom some children were placed.
If successful in the general election, Becerra would become the first Latino to hold the office of governor in California since the late 1800s. Election officials continue to count ballots to determine the final primary results.