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The first-place finisher in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor has been announced.<\/p>\n
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has officially secured a place in California\u2019s November gubernatorial election, guaranteeing that Democrats will not be shut out of the race despite a crowded field of candidates.<\/p>\n
CNN\u2019s Decision Desk projected Friday that Becerra would advance to the general election after building an insurmountable lead over several rivals competing for one of the top two spots.<\/p>\n
The result comes as a major relief for California Democrats, who had worried that multiple candidates splitting the vote could potentially allow two Republicans to advance under the state\u2019s top-two primary system.<\/p>\n
Instead, Becerra\u2019s advancement ensures Democrats will have a nominee on the November ballot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor,\u201d Becerra said in a video posted to X. \u201cLet\u2019s go win this thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Becerra\u2019s spot is secure, the race for the second position remains unresolved.<\/p>\n
Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate backed by President Donald Trump, remains in contention along with billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer.<\/p>\n
Election officials have not yet projected which candidate will ultimately claim the second runoff position.<\/p>\n
Since Election Day, however, Becerra steadily expanded his lead over both Hilton and Steyer, eliminating any doubt about his advancement.<\/p>\n
If Hilton ultimately secures the second spot, he would face a difficult path in the general election.<\/p>\n
California remains one of the most Democratic states in the nation, with approximately 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans according to the state\u2019s latest voter registration figures.<\/p>\n
The last Republican governor elected in California was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won reelection two decades ago.<\/p>\n
The primary campaign itself highlighted significant challenges facing Democrats.<\/p>\n
Several high-profile Democratic figures who could have consolidated support declined to enter the race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.<\/p>\n
Without a clear frontrunner, Democrats found themselves divided among numerous candidates throughout much of the campaign.<\/p>\n
Former Rep. Katie Porter (D) briefly emerged as an early favorite before her campaign collapsed following the circulation of several controversial videos that damaged her standing with voters.<\/p>\n
Later, attention shifted toward then-Rep. Eric Swalwell (D), after he entered the race in late 2025.<\/p>\n
That campaign ended abruptly after reports surfaced alleging sexual misconduct. Swalwell denied the accusations but withdrew from the race shortly afterward and resigned from Congress.<\/p>\n
His departure created an opening that Becerra successfully exploited.<\/p>\n
The former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden administration cabinet secretary centered his campaign on experience and government leadership.<\/p>\n
Becerra argued throughout the race that California\u2019s challenges required a leader with a proven record managing complex crises.<\/p>\n
At the same time, opponents repeatedly targeted that record.<\/p>\n
Critics attacked Becerra\u2019s handling of issues ranging from the child migrant crisis to the federal government\u2019s response to the mpox outbreak.<\/p>\n
He also faced political fallout after a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds.<\/p>\n
Becerra himself has not been accused of wrongdoing in that matter.<\/p>\n
Supporters defended his record and argued that many of the attacks were politically motivated.<\/p>\n
Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously told CNN that Becerra inherited difficult situations and worked tirelessly to address them.<\/p>\n
As the governor\u2019s race continues to unfold, another closely watched California contest remains unresolved.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has already secured a place in the November election, but the battle for second place remains undecided, CNN reported.<\/p>\n
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt continues to hold second place, though City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has gained ground as additional ballots are counted.<\/p>\n
For Democrats statewide, however, Friday\u2019s projection removed one major concern.<\/p>\n
Regardless of who ultimately joins him on the ballot, Xavier Becerra will be competing for California governor this November.<\/p>\n
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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