Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra advances to California governor general election, AP projects

California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra advanced to the state’s general election Friday night, according to an Associated Press race call.

The AP called the race for Becerra at 7:50 p.m. EDT, sending the former U.S. health secretary and ex-California attorney general into the November contest to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton appeared headed for a November showdown. AP vote totals showed Becerra with 26.7% of the vote and Hilton with 26.4%, while Democrat Tom Steyer finished third with 21.0%.

In a statement following the race call, Becerra touted the result as a victory for working Californians and said his campaign would carry its message into the fall election.

HILTON, BECERRA IN THE LEAD WITH VOTES STILL BEING COUNTED IN BATTLE FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR

“The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly,” Becerra said. “We will not be bought. We will not be bullied. And we are never backing down. November, here we come.”

Becerra’s campaign also said the result makes him the first Latino candidate to advance from a California gubernatorial primary to a general election, calling it a historic milestone for the state.

If elected in November, Becerra would become California’s first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco, who briefly served as governor in 1875.

In a post on X after the race was called, Becerra wrote, “More than ever, California needs our voices and our values. To the people and the voters of California, this is your state. Este es tu estado.”

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Becerra, a former California attorney general, served as Health and Human Services secretary in former President Joe Biden’s administration before launching his gubernatorial campaign.

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Hilton, a former Fox News host and conservative commentator backed by President Donald Trump, also advanced in the state’s top-two primary system, setting up a high-profile general election contest in November.

Results have not yet been certified.