Newsom rallies – California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra on Tuesday night after Donald Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton clinched a runoff spot. Newsom urged Democrats to unite and win in November, while Kamala Harris also backed Becerra and Tom
California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t wait long after the latest primary shake-up—he went straight to X on Tuesday evening to rally Democrats behind gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra.
The push came shortly after Democrat Tom Steyer was edged out of the race, and after Donald Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton secured a runoff spot. Newsom, who has served as California’s governor since 2019, praised Becerra’s background and framed the moment as a test of unity heading toward November.
“Congratulations to Xavier Becerra on his hard-fought victory,” Newsom wrote. “The son of immigrants. Xavier has spent his career fighting for California families and underserved communities. He has the experience and grift California needs.”
He added, “I also want to thank every candidate who stepped forward and shared their vision for our state’s future.”
Then came the direct call to action: Newsom said. “now it’s time for Democrats to unite and win in November.” He went on to say he is “proud to support Xavier as our nominee for Governor and look forward to helping ensure a smooth transition.” In the same post. Newsom said Becerra “will stand up to Donald Trump. defend our families and keep California moving forward. Let’s get to work!”.
The endorsement sequence tightened further when former Vice President Kamala Harris also backed Becerra on Tuesday, writing on X that she was “excited to offer him all the support I can as he sets out to become our state’s next governor.”
Harris pointed to how she described the crowded field during the primary, writing that the race “has featured a large field with many strong candidates,” and said she was “confident that our party will now unite behind Xavier and his calm, steady brand of leadership.”
She also cited Becerra’s past work. saying she has “been fortunate to see firsthand how Xavier never shies away from the biggest fights. ” including “taking on the drug companies as Secretary of Health and Human Services” and “going after sex traffickers and big polluters as California’s Attorney General.” Harris said she expects him. if elected. to “do whatever it takes to stand up to Donald Trump. defend our rights and protect our communities.”.
Harris closed with a historical claim: she said she “look[s] forward to standing with Xavier as California makes history by electing our first Latino governor in 150 years.”
Both Newsom and Harris had not endorsed a candidate heading into the June 2 primary, when several Democratic contenders competed for spots in the November runoff.
Becerra’s path to the runoff was set as of Friday, when he locked in his position. What remained unclear at the time was who would take the No. 2 slot—whether it would be Hilton. the Republican Brit endorsed by Trump. or Steyer. a Democratic billionaire businessman-turned-climate advocate endorsed by Jane Fonda.
After Tuesday’s results, Steyer formally endorsed Becerra in his concession statement. He said: “For now, we must stay focused. Donald Trump is the embodiment of the corporations’ craven. soulless. profit-first model of politics. and it is absolutely essential that his handpicked candidate does not hold the keys to California.”.
Steyer added: “It would be a travesty for Steve Hilton to win the governorship, and Californians must unite behind Xavier Becerra to ensure he does not.”
Hilton, in contrast, went after Becerra directly in his victory statement. He called Becerra “the ultimate career politician.”
“What an incredible honor to be chosen by Californians to lead the movement for change in the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth. ” Hilton wrote. “There’s nowhere better than California. But a majority of Californians – 56% in a recent poll – believe our state is on the wrong track and needs change. That is the majority we will now have the honor of leading to victory in November. and I can’t wait to get started on the most high-energy campaign this state has ever seen. Change is Coming!”.
The thrust of the day’s political momentum was clear: Newsom’s call for Democrats to unite behind Becerra was matched by Harris’s endorsement and Steyer’s concession backing, all forming a tighter front as Hilton prepares for the runoff he secured alongside Trump’s endorsement.
Gavin Newsom Xavier Becerra Steve Hilton Donald Trump Kamala Harris Tom Steyer California governor race runoff election June 2 primary