Biden cabinet secretary advances in California governor race

June 6, 2026

Xavier Becerra, former Biden health secretary and California attorney general, has emerged as the leading candidate in California's gubernatorial primary election to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. The race to determine his November opponent remains undecided between Republican Steve Hilton, a British-American former Fox News host and David Cameron adviser, and Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, with both candidates separated by approximately 300,000 votes. The contest, which featured over 60 candidates mostly from the Democratic party, became California's most expensive gubernatorial race after frontrunner Eric Swalwell withdrew following sexual misconduct allegations.

Who is affected

Xavier Becerra (advancing candidate)
Steve Hilton (Republican candidate competing for second position)
Tom Steyer (Democratic candidate competing for second position)
Eric Swalwell (dropped out amid allegations)
Matt Mahan, San Jose Mayor (another Democratic candidate mentioned)
Gavin Newsom (current term-limited governor being replaced)
California's approximately 23 million registered voters
Latinos in California (who comprise 41% of the state's population)
Democrats in California (experiencing divisions due to lack of clear leader)
State employees and agencies that will be overseen by the new governor

What action is being taken

Ballots are currently being counted across California counties
Mail-in ballots are being sorted, validated, and counted
Counties are processing votes (with up to 30 days allowed after the election)

Why it matters

This election will determine the leadership of the nation's most populous state, with the winner responsible for overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees, and hundreds of state agencies. If elected, Becerra would become California's first Latino governor since 1875 in a state where Latinos constitute 41% of the population, representing significant historical and demographic significance. The race has become California's most expensive gubernatorial contest on record and comes at a time when Democrats face internal divisions after their clear frontrunner withdrew. The outcome will also shape California's response to federal policies, as Becerra has specifically vowed to fight Trump administration policies and freeze insurance and utility rates for residents.

What's next

Counties will continue counting ballots for up to 30 days after the election
Results will be certified on July 10th
The confirmed second-place candidate will face Becerra in the November general election

Read full article from source: BBC