Democrat Xavier Becerra has advanced to the November general election for California governor following projections by the Associated Press. The former Health and Human Services secretary secured the top spot in the state's primary, though the second-place candidate remains undetermined amid ongoing ballot counts.
With 66 percent of votes counted on Friday evening, Becerra held 26.7 percent support, narrowly ahead of Republican Steve Hilton at 26.4 percent and Democrat Tom Steyer at 21 percent. The race uses California's top-two primary system, allowing the leading candidates to advance regardless of party. Ballot counting continues with an estimated 3.5 million votes still uncounted. California accepts mail ballots postmarked by election day that arrive up to seven days later, a process that can extend final results for weeks. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social accusing Democrats of election fraud and delays in the tally. Becerra responded that voters decide the outcome and accused Trump of undermining confidence in elections. Becerra, a former member of Congress and California attorney general, rose in the polls after Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race. Incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited.
