Becerra Advances in California Governor Race
Former Biden health secretary Xavier Becerra is advancing in the race for California governor as votes continue to be tallied to determine his opponent in the November election.
According to US media outlets, Becerra, who also previously served as California's attorney general, is expected to be one of the two candidates moving forward following the Tuesday primary election.
Two other candidates remain in contention for the second spot: British-American former TV host Steve Hilton, a Republican, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, a Democrat.
Ballots are still being counted in California, the nation's most populous state with approximately 23 million registered voters. Due to the large number of mail-in ballots, final results could take weeks to be confirmed.
More than 60 candidates, predominantly Democrats, appeared on the ballot to succeed current Governor Gavin Newsom, who has reached his term limit.
The candidate finishing second will face Becerra in the general election to become California's chief executive. This role entails overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget, thousands of state employees, and hundreds of state agencies.
Becerra's Background and Campaign
A native of California, Becerra served as the state's attorney general and as the US health secretary under President Joe Biden.
If elected, he would become California's first Latino governor since 1875, in a state where Latinos constitute about 41 percent of the population.
Becerra has centered his campaign on his extensive political experience and credibility gained from working both in Congress in Washington, DC, and in California state office.
He has pledged to oppose former President Donald Trump's policies and has promised to freeze insurance and utility rates for Californians.
Impact of Swalwell's Withdrawal
Becerra's position in the race strengthened after Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew in April amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which Swalwell has consistently denied.
For several months, Swalwell, who also resigned from Congress, appeared to be the leading candidate. His departure opened the field and caused divisions among Democrats, as no clear frontrunner emerged in the deep-blue state, which has been governed by Democrats since 2011.
Race Dynamics and Spending
This contest has become the most expensive California gubernatorial race on record, marked by significant advertising expenditures by Tom Steyer and Silicon Valley support for another Democratic candidate, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
