Here’s what happened.
California’s race for governor is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political battles in America—and the latest election results suggest that Governor Gavin Newsom’s political influence may continue long after he leaves office.
Former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra has officially advanced toward November’s general election, putting him in a strong position to compete for California’s highest office.
At the same time, Trump-backed Republican Steve Hilton is fighting to secure the second spot on the ballot, while billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer remains within striking distance as votes continue to be counted.
The outcome could determine whether California voters are offered a true two-party contest this fall—or another election dominated by Democrats.
Becerra Builds Momentum Across California
According to the latest vote totals, Becerra has benefited significantly from California’s mail-in voting system, which continues to play a major role in statewide elections.
While Hilton briefly held a lead in the overall vote count, election analysts expect additional mail ballots to strengthen Becerra’s position in the coming days.
Becerra entered the race with years of experience in California politics. Before serving as President Joe Biden’s Health and Human Services secretary, he spent years representing California in Congress and later served as the state’s attorney general.
His campaign has also drawn substantial support from Latino voters, one of California’s largest and fastest-growing voting blocs.
If elected, Becerra would become California’s first Latino governor since the 19th century.
Can Republicans Reach The General Election?
For conservatives, the biggest question may not be who wins the governor’s mansion—but whether a Republican candidate can even make it onto the November ballot.
California’s unusual “top-two” primary system places every candidate on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation. Only the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election.
That system has repeatedly frustrated Republicans in heavily Democratic statewide races.
If Hilton can hold off Steyer, voters would be presented with a clear contrast between Republican and Democratic leadership. If Steyer overtakes Hilton, however, Californians could face a Democrat-versus-Democrat showdown.
Such a result would likely guarantee that Newsom’s successor comes from the Democratic Party.
The Impact Of Eric Swalwell’s Exit
Political observers point to another key turning point in the race.
Earlier this year, former Congressman Eric Swalwell withdrew from the gubernatorial contest, reshaping the Democratic field almost overnight.
Following his departure, Becerra’s support began climbing steadily. Polls that once showed him stuck in single digits soon placed him among the race’s leading candidates.
That momentum appears to be continuing as ballots are counted.
What This Means For Gavin Newsom’s Legacy
Although Newsom is not on the ballot, his political legacy remains front and center.
The governor helped oversee years of Democratic dominance in California, and the current election could determine whether that control continues for another generation.
Republicans argue that voters deserve a serious debate over issues such as crime, homelessness, affordability, energy costs, and the state’s business climate.
Democrats, meanwhile, are hoping to maintain control of the governor’s office and continue many of the policies that have defined California politics during the Newsom era.
The Bottom Line
The race is far from over, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: California’s election system may once again play a decisive role in determining who gets a chance to compete for governor.
For Republican voters, the coming weeks could determine whether they have a candidate on the general election ballot. For Democrats, the focus is on preserving their grip on power in the nation’s largest state.
With millions of votes still being counted, the battle to replace Gavin Newsom is only just beginning—and the outcome could shape California politics for years to come.