Becerra Advances in California Primary as $215 Million Steyer Falters
Updated
Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 3
Becerra Advances in California Primary as $215 Million Steyer Falters
1 articles · Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Jun 3
Summary
Xavier Becerra emerged as a clear primary winner, with the Democratic establishment also buoyed by strong showings from Rep. Doris Matsui and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who made the top two despite weak wildfire-era approval ratings.
$215 million in self-funding failed to carry billionaire Tom Steyer in the governor's race, underscoring how name recognition and party backing outperformed heavy spending.
Kevin Kiley delivered one of the night's biggest surprises by leading the 6th Congressional District race as an independent in a seat analysts said was drawn to be safely Democratic.
Gloria Romero, a Republican and former Democratic Senate majority leader, led the lieutenant governor race, while Democrat Josh Fryday trailed after spending about $4 million.
A late turnout surge added uncertainty to final tallies, and attention is already shifting to November, when a proposed billionaire's tax could become a major statewide fight.