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Becerra, Bass Gain Ground in California Primary Elections
By Aurax Desk | June 3, 2026 | 2 min read
Early returns from California's statewide primary showed former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strengthening their positions in two of the state's most closely watched races. The results set the stage for high-profile general election contests that could shape the future of California politics.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks to supporters as early California primary results are reported on election night.
LOS ANGELES — Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra emerged as one of the leading candidates in California's gubernatorial primary Tuesday, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advanced in her bid for a second term. With millions of ballots still being counted under California's vote-by-mail system, early returns indicated that Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton were positioned to advance to the November election under the state's top-two primary system, which sends the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass celebrates advancing to the general election after early primary results placed her among the top candidates.
The governor's race drew national attention as Californians prepared to choose a successor to term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. Becerra, a former California attorney general and longtime congressman, benefited from support among Democratic voters seeking an experienced statewide candidate. Hilton, a former television commentator backed by President Donald Trump, consolidated much of the Republican vote in a state where Democrats hold a significant registration advantage. Billionaire businessman Tom Steyer remained competitive but trailed the leading candidates in early returns despite spending heavily on his campaign.
Sources: Information from NBC Los Angeles, Politico, ABC7 Los Angeles, Reuters, The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times and other election reporting organizations.
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