California Democrats Elect Becerra Governor, Rejecting Single-Payer Push in 2026 Race
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 4
California Democrats Elect Becerra Governor, Rejecting Single-Payer Push in 2026 Race
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 4
Summary
California Democrats chose former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra as governor on Tuesday, backing a familiar establishment figure in a crowded race.
Voters favored Becerra’s centrist, pragmatic pitch over insurgent progressives who campaigned for state-funded health care and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The result showed Democrats in the nation’s largest blue state breaking with national anti-establishment currents and opting for electability and governing experience.
Becerra had already emerged as a strong contender in earlier returns, alongside other established California Democrats such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.