Biden cabinet secretary Becerra leads California governor race

Xavier Becerra, a former Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden, is positioned to advance in the race for California governor following Tuesday's primary election. US media outlets project Becerra, a Democrat and former California Attorney General, as one of the two candidates likely to secure a spot in the November general election.

However, the contest for the second slot remains undecided as vote tabulation continues. Two other candidates are vying for that position: Republican former TV host Steve Hilton and Democratic billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer. The outcome hinges on the ongoing count of millions of mail-in ballots, a process that could take several weeks in the nation's most populous state.

Becerra's potential advancement comes in a race to replace current Governor Gavin Newsom, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. Over 60 candidates, predominantly Democrats, were initially on the ballot for the gubernatorial seat. The winner of the general election will assume responsibility for overseeing California's substantial budget, a workforce of thousands, and hundreds of state agencies.

The election for California's chief executive is a significant contest, given the state's large economy and population. Becerra's background as a former state Attorney General and federal cabinet secretary provides him with extensive experience in governance and policy-making.