SACRAMENTO, June 6, 2026 — The Europe Today: Democrat Xavier Becerra has advanced to California’s gubernatorial general election, positioning himself as an experienced leader capable of succeeding incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom in the nation’s most populous state.
Becerra secured a place in the November election after campaigning on his more than 35 years of public service, which includes roles as California’s attorney general and U.S. secretary of health and human services. Throughout the campaign, he emphasized his extensive government experience as a key qualification in a crowded field of candidates.
“The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly,” Becerra said in a statement following the result. “We are never backing down. November, here we come.”
The identity of Becerra’s opponent in the general election had not yet been determined. His leading challengers included Republican Steve Hilton, a former television commentator who has received backing from President Donald Trump, and Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist who reportedly invested $215 million of his personal fortune into his campaign.
Born and raised in Sacramento to Mexican immigrant parents, Becerra is married and has three daughters. He has frequently drawn parallels between his family’s immigrant journey and what he described as his underdog gubernatorial campaign, which gained momentum in recent months after initially struggling to attract significant support.
The November election is expected to draw national attention as California voters choose a successor to Governor Gavin Newsom and set the political direction of the state for the coming years.
