Xavier Becerra Advances in California Governor Race With 26% in $300 Million Contest
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 5
Xavier Becerra Advances in California Governor Race With 26% in $300 Million Contest
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 5
Summary
Decision Desk HQ projected Xavier Becerra would advance in California’s governor’s race after he won 26% of the vote with about 60% of estimated ballots counted Thursday night.
The result keeps the former congressman and Biden administration health secretary in contention in one of the most expensive state elections in US history, with spending topping $300 million.
Becerra, 68, is the son of Mexican immigrants and would become California’s first Latino governor since the late 1800s if he ultimately wins the office.
With Oregon and Mexico adopting universal care, could California's election set the next US healthcare agenda?
Why is education, California's largest budget item, being overlooked in the gubernatorial race?
Can record campaign spending solve California's deep-rooted affordability and housing crises?
2026 California Gubernatorial Primary: Money, Messaging, and the Unresolved Fight for November’s Finalists
Overview
As of June 4, 2026, California’s gubernatorial primary remains uncalled, with ballots still being counted statewide. The race has become a close contest among Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Steve Hilton, and the outcome depends on the remaining uncounted votes. Under California’s 'Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act,' only the two candidates with the most votes—regardless of party—will advance to the general election. This system ensures that the November ballot features the most popular contenders, making every uncounted vote crucial in deciding which two will move forward.