Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has officially secured a spot in California\u2019s November gubernatorial election, ensuring Democrats will remain represented in the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.<\/p>\n
CNN\u2019s Decision Desk projected Friday that Becerra had built an insurmountable lead over several rivals competing for one of the top two primary spots.<\/p>\n
The result eases concerns among Democrats who feared a divided vote in California\u2019s top-two primary system could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor,\u201d Becerra said in a video posted on X.<\/p>\n
The race for the second spot remains too close to call. Republican candidate and former Fox News host Steve Hilton is competing with billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer for the remaining position.<\/p>\n
Becerra steadily expanded his lead following Election Day, removing any doubt about his advancement.<\/p>\n
If Hilton ultimately advances, he will face an uphill battle in heavily Democratic California, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by millions. The last Republican elected governor in the state was Arnold Schwarzenegger two decades ago.<\/p>\n
The Democratic primary was marked by a crowded and divided field after several major figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Alex Padilla, chose not to run.<\/p>\n
Former Rep. Katie Porter briefly led early in the race before controversy hurt her campaign. Later, Rep. Eric Swalwell entered the contest but withdrew after misconduct allegations surfaced, which he denied.<\/p>\n
Becerra, a former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden cabinet secretary, focused his campaign on experience and leadership. Critics, however, attacked his handling of issues during his time leading the Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n
Despite the criticism, supporters argued Becerra successfully managed difficult challenges and remained one of the most experienced candidates in the field.<\/p>\n
Regardless of who secures the second runoff position, Xavier Becerra will compete for California governor this November.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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