California’s 2026 governor’s race took a major step forward as former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and ex-California Attorney General Xavier Becerra secured a place in the general election.
Becerra, a longtime Democratic leader, advanced after campaigning on his extensive government experience and promising to continue many of the policies championed by outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.
Xavier Becerra Advances to California Governor General Election
Democrat Xavier Becerra officially advanced to the general election in California’s race for governor, positioning himself as an experienced leader capable of guiding the nation’s most populous state.
Becerra emphasized his decades of public service throughout the campaign, highlighting more than 35 years in government, including roles as California attorney general and U.S. health secretary.
Following his advancement, Becerra thanked voters and expressed confidence about the upcoming election, saying Californians had spoken clearly about the direction they want for the state.
General Election Opponent Still Unclear
While Becerra secured his spot in the general election, it was not immediately clear who he would face in November.
The remaining top contenders include Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer.
Hilton, a former television commentator, received support from Donald Trump during the campaign.
Meanwhile, Steyer invested heavily in his campaign, reportedly contributing hundreds of millions of dollars of his own money in an effort to secure statewide support.
Election officials are continuing to process results to determine the final matchup.
From Sacramento Roots to Statewide Politics
Born and raised in Sacramento, Becerra is the son of Mexican immigrants and often referenced his family’s story throughout the campaign.
He described his gubernatorial bid as an underdog campaign that initially struggled to gain momentum before attracting broader support in recent months.
Becerra frequently connected his personal background to the experiences of many California families, emphasizing opportunity, hard work, and public service.
If elected, he would become California’s first Latino governor since the 19th century.
Support Grew After Major Campaign Shake-Up
Becerra’s campaign received a boost after one of the leading Democratic candidates, Eric Swalwell, withdrew from the race.
Following that development, Becerra gained support from several influential labor organizations and Latino legislative leaders.
The endorsements helped consolidate support among key Democratic voting groups and strengthened his position heading into the election.
Political analysts noted that those endorsements played a significant role in helping Becerra gain momentum during the final months of the campaign.
Campaign Focused on Challenging Trump Policies
One of the central themes of Becerra’s campaign has been his commitment to challenging policies promoted by President Donald Trump.
During his time as California attorney general, Becerra led numerous legal actions against the first Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to environmental regulations.
He has pledged to continue defending California’s policies and interests if elected governor.
His campaign has positioned California as a leading voice on issues such as climate change, healthcare access, and immigrant rights.
Criticism During the Campaign
Despite his long public service record, Becerra also faced criticism from political opponents.
Some rivals questioned his leadership while serving as U.S. health secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Others pointed to challenges involving the federal government’s handling of unaccompanied migrant children in 2021, when the Department of Health and Human Services oversaw shelter operations.
Opponents argued those issues raised concerns about management and oversight, while supporters defended his record and experience in handling complex national challenges.
Key Policy Priorities
If elected governor, Becerra has proposed several major initiatives aimed at addressing issues facing California residents.
Among his priorities are efforts to reduce housing shortages, address rising energy costs, and stabilize homeowners insurance rates.
He has indicated that emergency measures may be used to accelerate action on some of these issues.
The proposals are designed to address concerns that have become increasingly important for California voters in recent years.
Governor Newsom Cannot Seek Another Term
The race comes as Governor Gavin Newsom prepares to leave office due to California’s term limits.
Newsom is prohibited from seeking a third term, creating one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in recent state history.
Candidates have spent months presenting their visions for California’s future as voters prepare to choose the state’s next leader.
The general election is expected to draw national attention because of California’s political influence and economic significance.
