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View on PolymarketXavier Becerra is the Democratic nominee competing against Republican Steve Hilton in the November 3, 2026, California gubernatorial election to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.
The candidates are Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California Attorney General, and Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and political strategist endorsed by Donald Trump.
Becerra advanced from a crowded top-two primary held on June 2, 2026, after a late surge in counting ballots overturned an early lead by Hilton.
If elected, Becerra would become California's first Latino governor since 1875 and shape the state's approach to healthcare, climate policy, and utility rates.
Note: The primary election results were initially uncertain, with Becerra overtaking Hilton only after late-arriving ballots were counted, highlighting the volatility of the race that could reflect in the general election dynamics.
The Associated Press projected that Democrat Xavier Becerra advanced to the November general election for California governor with 26.7% of the vote, narrowly leading Republican Steve Hilton who had 26.4%.
abc7news.comWikipedianypost.comCNN and NBC News also projected that Becerra secured a spot in the general election alongside Steve Hilton, making him the Democratic nominee to face the Republican challenger.
CNNusatoday.comusatoday.comWith more than 67% of expected ballots tallied, Becerra held a razor-thin lead over Hilton, while Democrat Tom Steyer finished third with 21.0% of the vote, eliminating him from the general race.
abc7news.comnypost.comyoutube.comThe California Democratic Convention is expected to officially endorse Becerra as the party's nominee, though he has already secured the nomination via the primary.
The GuardianThe final general election campaign period will include statewide town halls and debates between Becerra and Hilton before the November 3 election date.
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Becerra possesses extensive executive experience as California's Attorney General (2017–2021) and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–2025), managing large agencies and state budgets.
WikipediaCNNAs Attorney General, he initiated over 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration, establishing a track record of defending Obamacare, workers, and Dreamers which resonates with California's Democratic base.
xavierbecerra2026.comCNNHe is a long-time proponent of single-payer healthcare and drafted the Affordable Care Act in Congress, positioning him as the "health-care governor" to address economic and medical struggles.
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Becerra faced criticism during his tenure as HHS Secretary for the agency's care of migrant children in its custody, which could be a vulnerability against a candidate emphasizing family values.
calmatters.orgIn early 2026 polls prior to his primary surge, Becerra trailed Steve Hilton (13% vs. 16%), suggesting he was not the initial frontrunner and had to rely on late-ballot counting to win.
CNNBecerra has expressed openness to revising California's climate goals to keep fuel affordable for middle-class families, a stance that may alienate progressive environmental voters who favor stricter climate mandates.
calmatters.orgAI-generated briefing. AI can make mistakes. This is not financial advice.