The Results Are In: Meet the Next Governor of California

Xavier Becerra Advances to November General Election for California Governor

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has secured a position in California’s November gubernatorial election. CNN’s Decision Desk projected on Friday that Becerra would advance after establishing a commanding lead in the primary.

The outcome ensures that Democrats will have a candidate on the general election ballot under the state’s top-two primary system. Becerra released a statement following the projection.

“I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor. Let’s go win this thing.”

California Democrats viewed the result as a significant relief. Party leaders had expressed concern that a divided field could allow two Republican candidates to advance to the November ballot.

Second-Place Contest Remains Open

The race for the second spot on the November ballot is still unresolved. Republican Steve Hilton, the former Fox News host endorsed by President Donald Trump, remains in contention alongside Democratic activist and billionaire Tom Steyer. Election officials have not yet determined which candidate will advance.

Becerra continued to widen his lead over both Hilton and Steyer in the days following the primary. If Hilton ultimately secures the second position, he would enter the general election in a state where Democrats hold a substantial voter registration advantage of roughly 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans.

The last Republican to serve as California governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won reelection twenty years ago.

Democratic Primary Dynamics

The Democratic primary exposed notable challenges for the party. Several prominent potential candidates, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, chose not to run. Without a dominant frontrunner, the field remained fragmented for much of the campaign period.

Former Representative Katie Porter gained early momentum before her campaign ended amid the release of controversial videos. Attention later turned to then-Representative Eric Swalwell, who entered the race in late 2025. His campaign concluded after reports of alleged sexual misconduct emerged. Swalwell denied the allegations but withdrew from the race and resigned from Congress.

Becerra, who previously served as California attorney general and as a member of Congress, positioned his campaign around government experience and leadership during crises. Critics focused on aspects of his record, including the federal response to the child migrant crisis and the mpox outbreak. He also faced questions after a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds, although Becerra was not accused of personal wrongdoing.

Supporters, including former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, stated that Becerra inherited challenging circumstances and worked diligently to address them.

Additional Races and Context

In the Los Angeles mayoral contest, Mayor Karen Bass has already advanced to the November ballot. The battle for second place between reality television personality Spencer Pratt and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman continues as additional ballots are processed.

For Democrats across California, Becerra’s advancement resolved one major source of uncertainty. Regardless of the final outcome for second place, Becerra will appear on the November ballot as the Democratic nominee for governor.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Drops HUGE Hint About 2028 - Democrats Just Got ROCKED

Washington, D.C. - June 10, 2026

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Leaves Door Open to 2028 Presidential Run While Prioritizing Healthcare

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has not ruled out a potential 2028 presidential campaign but has stated that expanding access to healthcare remains her primary focus. In recent comments to Fox News, she addressed speculation about her future in national politics.

“Could I be president? Could I not be president? Maybe, maybe not,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

She emphasized that the impact of policy outcomes matters more than holding any particular office.

“What matters more is that we guarantee healthcare in this country,” she told Fox News Digital.

Ocasio-Cortez indicated that pursuing higher office could conflict with her legislative priorities.

“There’s a world where in order to do that, I shouldn’t have that job,” she said. “There’s a world where, maybe. But the most important thing is getting everyone healthcare in this country.”

Her remarks come amid ongoing speculation among Democrats about potential 2028 presidential candidates. Several prominent figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, are frequently mentioned as possible contenders.

Other Democratic Figures Address Future Plans

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has stated that he will not run for president in 2028. Moore, who is in the third year of his first term, said he remains focused on his responsibilities as governor and plans to seek reelection in Maryland next year.

“I’m not running,” Moore told The Associated Press.