Becerra rallies San Francisco voters in final primary weekend push

Xavier Becerra spent his final San Francisco push on the neighborhoods and language communities his campaign believes could shape his margin in the city, with stops in Chinatown, a walk past Stockton Street and Pacific Avenue businesses, and a rally at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. The message was less about campaign theater than turnout: one week before the June 2 primary, Becerra and local Democratic allies were trying to move voters who already know the stakes in a city where ballots are being mailed, drop boxes are open, and same-day registration remains available through Election Day.

California’s top-two primary means the two highest vote-getters advance to November regardless of party, making every ballot count in a crowded governor’s race. In San Francisco, voters are also deciding local contests and ballot measures, adding another layer to an election that is already being watched as a test of whether Becerra can turn urban support into a stronger finish. County officials began mailing ballots no later than May 4, and secure ballot drop-off locations opened May 5, giving voters multiple ways to participate before Tuesday.

Becerra’s San Francisco appearances on May 26 focused heavily on Latino and Chinese voters, with KRON4 describing the effort as a push to shore up support and boost turnout in those communities. He visited Chinatown with City Attorney David Chiu and later Supervisor Chyanne Chen, and his itinerary included a walking tour of local businesses and an AAPI for Becerra rally at the International Hotel Manilatown Center. The campaign’s closing pitch has centered on experience, competence and stability, a framing designed to reassure voters as rivals attack him over Chevron donations, oil-industry regulation and his handling of health-care issues in federal office.

The city remains a high-value turnout target for Becerra because San Francisco has recently delivered unusually strong participation. Turnout reached nearly 56% in the November 4, 2025 statewide special election and nearly 79% in the November 5, 2024 general election, giving his campaign a large electorate to mobilize in the final days. Polling has kept the race competitive, with one local survey putting Steve Hilton at 22%, Becerra at 21% and Tom Steyer at 15%, while ABC7 cited Becerra at roughly 19% to 22% among likely voters. After a bruising debate in San Francisco on May 14, where opponents seized on a former aide’s plea deal in a federal corruption case, prosecutors said Becerra is not accused of wrongdoing and called him a victim.