Democrat Xavier Becerra has officially advanced in California’s gubernatorial primary, emerging as the front-runner in the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. Following last week’s “jungle primary,” where candidates from all parties appeared on a single ballot, election officials are currently processing votes to determine which two candidates will compete in the November runoff to lead the state starting in January 2027.
Current State of the Gubernatorial Race
As of 9 a.m. Monday, Xavier Becerra holds the lead in the ongoing vote count. He is followed by Republican Steve Hilton, a British-born former Fox News host who became a U.S. citizen five years ago. Also in contention is Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund manager and climate activist who self-funded a campaign noted as one of the most expensive in the state’s history. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco also remains a factor, as he is currently leading in some of California’s 58 counties.
California utilizes a “jungle primary” system, which allows candidates from any political party to compete on the same ballot. Regardless of party affiliation, only the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.
The Path to Certification
While a majority of the ballots have been counted, the final outcome remains subject to change as election officials continue the tally. California’s counting process is known for being slow, and the secretary of state has until July 10 to officially certify the final results. Because the margin and exact standing of candidates can shift as remaining ballots are processed, the final composition of the November runoff is not yet finalized.
The transition to a November runoff will effectively narrow the field, forcing a shift from a broad primary competition to a focused debate between two finalists. Given the state’s political climate, the primary results reflect a complex landscape where candidates must appeal to a diverse electorate across 58 counties, balancing high-profile endorsements and significant self-funded campaign spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading the California governor’s primary?
As of Monday morning, Xavier Becerra is leading the race.
When will the final election results be certified?
The California secretary of state has until July 10 to certify the final tallies.
What happens to the candidates who advance?
The top two vote-getters will move on to a November runoff election to determine who will replace Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2027.
How do you think the current results will influence the strategies of the top candidates heading into the November runoff?
