xavier becerra california governor runoff sees attorney general launch campaign for leadership transition
SACRAMENTO, March 15, 2025 (5W1H) – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has officially entered the gubernatorial runoff, positioning himself as a key contender to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is not seeking reelection amid state budget deficits and wildfire recovery efforts. What: Becerra's campaign launch begins a competitive runoff phase following a primary election that left him and a leading Republican opponent as the top two candidates. Who: Becerra, 66, a veteran Democrat and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, faces businesswoman and fiscal conservative Sarah Jenkins, endorsed by the state GOP. Where: The runoff will be decided by voters statewide, with a final election scheduled for November 7, 2025. When: Becerra announced his intent to contest the runoff today, following official certification of primary results on March 10. Why: The runoff stems from an inconclusive primary where no candidate secured a majority, with Becerra citing a need for "stable, experienced leadership" to address housing shortages and climate adaptation. How: Becerra plans to mobilize grassroots supporters and leverage his record on federal health policy to differentiate himself from Jenkins, who advocates for tax cuts and deregulation. Legal experts note California's top-two primary system necessitates this runoff, with debates scheduled for late April.