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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Lauren Gambino

Xavier Becerra advances in California’s hotly contested governor’s race

man holding two thumbs up at a rally
Xavier Becerra at a rally in Long Beach, California, on 31 May 2026. Photograph: Brian Cahn/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

Xavier Becerra has advanced to the November general election in California’s gubernatorial race, cementing a stunning come-from-behind primary victory in one of California’s most turbulent campaign seasons in recent memory.

Election officials are continuing to count ballots to determine whether he will face fellow Democrat Tom Steyer, the environmental activist who championed progressive policies like universal healthcare and more taxes on billionaires like himself, or Republican Steve Hilton, the former UK political operative turned Fox News personality who was endorsed by Donald Trump, in the fall.

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