Xavier Becerra Enters California Governor Runoff, Pivoting from Washington to Sacramento
SACRAMENTO (AP) — The California gubernatorial race has entered a runoff phase, with former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra securing a position as a top contender. This development came after the state's primary election results were certified on Monday, placing Becerra in a direct competition for the governorship. The runoff scenario unfolded as no candidate clinched a majority vote, requiring a head-to-head contest. Becerra, 66, now faces a formidable opponent in the general election scheduled for November 2026, capitalizing on his tenure as California Attorney General from 2017 to 2021 to rally progressive voters. The contest is expected to hinge on key issues such as housing affordability, wildfire preparedness, and healthcare access, reflecting the state's critical challenges.