Democrat Xavier Becerra has secured a place in the November general election for California governor, the Associated Press projected Friday, following Tuesday's primary election in the nation's most populous state. With 65% of expected votes counted as of Friday evening, Becerra held 26.7% of the vote, narrowly ahead of Republican Steve Hilton at 26.4% and Democrat Tom Steyer at 21%.

Becerra, a California native, served more than 35 years in public office, including as California's state attorney general and as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden. He campaigned on his extensive government experience and pledged to oppose President Donald Trump's policies while freezing insurance and utility rates for Californians. On election night, Becerra said, 'I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California's promise to make sure we have the governance worthy of our gifts.'

The race to determine Becerra's November opponent remains unresolved between Hilton and Steyer, with ballot counting expected to continue for weeks. California sends mail-in ballots to all 23 million registered voters, with an estimated 80% of votes cast by mail. Each county has up to 30 days after the election to count ballots, and results will not be certified until July 10.

The delayed count prompted President Trump to allege without evidence on social media that Democrats were attempting to 'steal' the California gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries. The First Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, said Friday that 'multiple election fraud investigations are underway,' though no specifics were provided. California Democratic Party Chairperson Rusty Hicks called Trump's claims 'baseless,' and Becerra responded directly on social media, saying, 'The voters decide who leads California. Not you.'

If elected governor in November, Becerra would become California's first Latino governor since 1875, in a state where Latinos comprise approximately 41% of the population. The race is the most expensive California gubernatorial contest on record, driven by heavy advertising spending from Steyer and Silicon Valley-backed support for San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. Democrats have governed California continuously since 2011, and current Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited from seeking reelection.