Democrat Xavier Becerra advances to November election in California governor’s race, CBS News projects

Democrat Xavier Becerra Advances to November Election in California Governor's Race, CBS News Projects

Democrat Xavier Becerra advances to November - California’s gubernatorial race has taken a decisive turn as former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, secured his place in the November general election, according to CBS News projections. The race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose term is limited, remained tightly contested throughout the week, with the final results revealing a shift in momentum. With the latest ballot counts, Becerra has emerged as a strong contender, overtaking Republican candidate Steve Hilton in the primary race.

Primary Dynamics and Key Moments

The top-two primary system, which allows the two candidates with the highest vote totals to advance regardless of party affiliation, played a central role in shaping the race. For much of the week, Hilton led the field, but a late surge in ballot drops on Friday changed the landscape. These delayed ballots, which are counted after the initial results, provided a critical boost to Becerra’s campaign, solidifying his position as the frontrunner. The outcome highlights the competitive nature of the primary and the importance of last-minute voter turnout.

Now, the focus has shifted to the second spot in the November race, with Hilton and Tom Steyer, a Democratic billionaire environmentalist, locked in a close contest. Steyer, who has been gaining traction, has narrowed the gap between himself and the former Fox News host, creating a high-stakes battle for the second place. The two candidates will face off in the general election, where their platforms and strategies will be tested against the state’s pressing issues.

Becerra’s Campaign and Message to Voters

Becerra, a former California attorney general, has positioned himself as a unifying figure in the race. He recently posted a video on social media, expressing gratitude to Californians for their support and emphasizing the significance of his advancement. The message, shared on Facebook, included a heartfelt acknowledgment of volunteers and campaign workers, stating,

"California has spoken. Thank you for standing with us. To every volunteer who made a call, sent a text, knocked on a door, or showed up when it mattered most — this victory belongs to you."

Becerra also pledged to continue the fight, encouraging supporters to remain engaged as the election approaches.

The former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal from the race in April provided Becerra with a crucial opportunity to consolidate his base. After initial ballot returns showed Becerra as a leading candidate, he framed himself as an underdog who "never gave up," rallying his supporters with a narrative of perseverance. This strategic positioning has helped him maintain momentum, even as the race has become more competitive.

Voting Process Controversies

The state’s vote-counting process has drawn scrutiny from Republican critics, including President Donald Trump, who has questioned the speed of ballot counting without presenting evidence of irregularities. Hilton, one of the primary challengers, echoed these concerns during a press conference in the San Francisco Bay Area on Friday. He criticized the current system, accusing it of being a "FARCE" that delays the counting of votes.

"If elected, I will end this FARCE and make sure all votes are counted within 48 hours of the mail-in deadline,"

Hilton declared, signaling his frustration with the process.

Despite these criticisms, state and local election officials have defended the system, asserting that all ballots are subject to the same verification standards, regardless of when they arrive. This consistency ensures fairness, though it has not quelled the debate over the efficiency of the process. The controversy adds another layer to the race, influencing voter perceptions and campaign strategies.

Candidates and Campaigns

The governor’s race attracted a diverse group of candidates from various sectors, including politics, business, and media. This mix underscored the competitive nature of the contest, which many analysts believe is one of the state’s most dynamic open-seat races in recent years. Pre-election polls indicated no single candidate dominated the race, with a significant portion of voters remaining undecided.

Several high-profile candidates saw their campaigns conclude shortly after polls closed on Tuesday. Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa all announced they would not be California’s next governor, leaving the field open for Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer to vie for the top two spots. Other notable figures in the race included Tony Thurmond, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, and Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, who represented the Republican side.

Becerra’s campaign has emphasized his experience in state governance and his commitment to addressing key issues like the affordability crisis. This crisis, which has plagued the state for years, remains a central theme in the election. A recent CBS News survey found that 70% of registered voters described the cost of living as "unmanageable," while only 7% believed the "California Dream" is still attainable. These findings reflect the voters’ concerns and could shape the messaging of the November election.

Historical Context and Implications

California has seen a consistent trend of electing Democratic governors since 2010, when Jerry Brown succeeded Arnold Schwarzenegger, who reached his term limit. If Becerra wins in November, he would become the first Latino governor in the state’s history in 150 years, since Romulado Pacheco. This milestone would mark a significant shift in California’s political landscape, highlighting the growing influence of minority candidates in the state’s highest office.

The current race also underscores the importance of ballot drop-off procedures in determining the final outcome. As the state continues to refine its voting systems, the debate over efficiency and transparency will likely persist. For now, the focus remains on the next phase of the campaign, with Becerra and his opponents preparing for the general election that will decide the state’s leadership for the next four years.