How Xavier Becerra turned around his campaign to be California’s governor

Xavier Becerra has advanced to the November general election for California governor, securing one of the top two spots in the state's primary. This marks a significant come-from-behind victory for Becerra, who was previously polling at 3%. Election officials are still counting ballots to determine his opponent, who will be either fellow Democrat Tom Steyer or Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra, the former California attorney general and US health secretary, stated that the people have spoken and that his campaign will not be bought or bullied. The outcome of the remaining ballot count will decide whether the general election features two Democrats or a Democrat against a Trump-endorsed Republican.

California's gubernatorial primary race has seen Republican television commentator Steve Hilton and Democratic former cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra emerge as the early frontrunners. With a significant portion of precincts reporting, Hilton leads with 26.9% of the vote, closely followed by Becerra at 25.7%. This outcome positions California for a potentially rare head-to-head contest between a Republican and a Democrat in the November election, as the state has not had a Republican governor since 2011. The winner will succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom and lead California's substantial economy while addressing challenges like water accessibility, affordability, and homelessness. Becerra, a former state attorney general and US congressman, highlighted his immigrant background in a celebratory speech, aiming to become the state's first Latino governor.

In California's gubernatorial primary, voters were presented with a choice between experience and promises of change. Early returns showed Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary, leading, emphasizing his steady leadership. Billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, also a Democrat, campaigned on progressive change, while Republican Steve Hilton, a conservative commentator, offered a reset for the liberal state. The primary featured a crowded field of candidates, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election. Affordability was a central theme, as candidates addressed the state's high cost of living. The vote count is ongoing, with mail-in ballots potentially influencing the final outcome.

Former reality television star Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles, a city not led by a Republican in over two decades. A recent poll places Pratt in a tight race with Democratic candidates Karen Bass and Nithya Raman ahead of Tuesday's primary. Pratt, who gained fame on MTV's "The Hills," has leveraged social media and attention-grabbing campaign tactics, raising significantly more funds than his opponents. His campaign focuses on issues like homelessness and the city's response to recent devastating fires, where he lost his home. Despite his strong fundraising and unconventional approach, experts note the uphill battle he faces in the heavily Democratic city, with opponents criticizing his lack of experience and platform.