Democrat Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, is projected to advance to the November general election in California’s governor’s race, according to CNN’s Decision Desk. Becerra’s win ensures a Democrat will face off in the general election after a crowded field of candidates initially raised concerns about vote-splitting. In a video on X, Becerra expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor.”

Contestants for the November Runoff

It remains unclear who Becerra will face in the general election. According to Die Zeit and STERN.de, the race is a tight contest between Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and the grandson of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. Both candidates are currently polling above 26 percent, according to NBC News. If Hilton secures the second spot, he would face a steep uphill battle given California’s voter registration numbers. There are approximately 4.6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans in the state, according to the latest statistics.

Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, who has poured $215 million into his campaign, is also in contention. Some of that money has been used to attack Becerra’s record during the Biden administration. If Steyer advances, it would mean a Democrat will succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2027. The current governor is ineligible for re-election and is expected to run for president in 2028.

Unusual Rise in the Polls

Becerra’s campaign had been considered a long shot as recently as February, with polls showing him around 4 percent. However, after his main Democratic rival, Rep. Eric Swalwell, withdrew from the race following allegations of sexual misconduct, Becerra gained momentum. According to the Los Angeles Times, he now leads in the polls and has become the unexpected favorite in a race that has confused both voters and political analysts. Becerra attributes his success to voters seeking experience over “glamour and spectacle.”

Experience as a Campaign Theme

Becerra has emphasized his 35 years of public service, including stints as California’s attorney general and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. “I’m ready to lead the fight to fulfill California’s promise to ensure we have a government worthy of our talents,” he said on election night. As attorney general, Becerra filed over 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to climate policy. He has pledged to continue this stance as governor.

His campaign, however, was slow to take off. It wasn’t until the departure of Swalwell and increased support from within his party that Becerra began to gain traction. The Los Angeles Times and ABC7 both note that his rise has sparked debates about whether his support is organic or artificially boosted, with theories ranging from pure luck to an online campaign with questionable tactics.

With the primary vote largely counted, Becerra’s path to the general election is now secure. The next step is to prepare for a race that could be expensive and challenging—especially if the opponent is a fellow Democrat like Steyer, who has already spent over $200 million in the race.