Xavier Becerra Leads California Governor Race Heading to November
Xavier Becerra won 26.7% in California’s June primary and advances to the November general election.
Why it matters: Becerra’s expected policies on energy costs, housing, and insurance will reshape California’s regulatory and legal landscape affecting legal professionals and businesses statewide. Corporate counsel and law firms should track how these issues evolve under his administration.
- Becerra received 26.7% of votes in California’s June 2, 2026, primary, finishing first in a 61-candidate field.
- Republican Steve Hilton, supported by former President Trump, narrowly follows with 26.4%, advancing to the general election.
- Democrat Eric Swalwell withdrew amid misconduct allegations, consolidating Democratic support behind Becerra.
- If elected, Becerra would be California’s first Latino governor since the 19th century, with key policy focuses on energy, housing, and insurance reforms.
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra secured first place with 26.7% of votes in California’s June 2, 2026, primary election for governor. Under California’s election rules, known as the ’top-two’ system, the two candidates with the most votes progress to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.
Becerra’s closest rival is Republican Steve Hilton, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who earned 26.4% of the primary vote. Democrat Tom Steyer, notable for self-financing his campaign with over $200 million, placed third with approximately 21% and will not advance.
Democrat Eric Swalwell exited the race after allegations of misconduct, which allowed Becerra to unify much of the Democratic electorate ahead of the primary.
Becerra has pledged to address key challenges for California, including lowering energy costs, easing the housing shortage, and stabilizing rising insurance rates—areas with crucial legal and regulatory implications for businesses and law firms operating in the state. His election would mark the first Latino governorship in California since the 1800s.
Legal professionals should monitor regulatory shifts tied to energy policy, housing law reforms, and insurance regulations expected under a potential Becerra administration. These developments will impact compliance requirements, litigation risks, and strategic legal considerations for in-house counsel and law firms.
Becerra stated, "I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California’s promise," emphasizing governance reforms. Political analysts, including those cited by the Los Angeles Times, caution that although campaign spending varies widely — Tom Steyer’s expenditures far exceed others — voter turnout and issue positions remain decisive factors.
By the numbers:
- 26.7% — Becerra’s share of the June primary vote
- 26.4% — Hilton’s share of the June primary vote
- 61 — Number of candidates in the primary race
Yes, but: The second candidate for the general election is not yet officially certified, though current tallies suggest Steve Hilton will advance alongside Becerra.
What's next: Certification of primary results is pending, with the general election campaign intensifying through November.