Porter, a former Orange County congresswoman who had sought to become the first woman as California’s governor, said in a social media post that Becerra would “stand strong against Donald Trump and look out for Californians across the state.”
“Californians deserve a governor who will fight for our values and bring down costs, not bend the knee to MAGA extremism that will take our state backwards,” Porter said. “I look forward to working with my fellow Democratic candidates to elect Xavier Becerra in November.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom also endorsed Becerra after the race was called, writing on social media that Becerra “has the experience and grit California needs” and “will stand up to Donald Trump, defend our families, and keep our state moving forward.”
“It’s time to get to work and help him win this November,” Newsom wrote.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris echoed that sentiment in a post congratulating Becerra, saying she was “excited to offer him all the support I can” and predicted Democrats would unite behind his “calm, steady brand of leadership.”
The endorsements came hours after The Associated Press determined that Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, secured the second spot in California’s top-two primary. Becerra, a former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general, had already advanced to the general election.
The race will determine who succeeds Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cannot run again because of term limits.
Porter finished well behind Becerra, Hilton and billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer in the crowded June 2 primary, according to unofficial results from the California Secretary of State. Steyer conceded Tuesday and also urged Democrats to support Becerra.
“It would be a travesty for Steve Hilton to win the governorship, and Californians must unite behind Xavier Becerra to ensure he does not,” Steyer wrote.
Porter’s endorsement gives Becerra support from one of the best-known progressive figures in the primary. Porter built a national profile in Congress for sharp questioning of corporate executives and Trump administration officials, often using a whiteboard in committee hearings.
Becerra enters the general election favored in a state where Democrats hold a large voter-registration advantage and Republicans have not won a statewide race since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was reelected in 2006. Hilton, who was endorsed by Trump in the primary, has argued that California voters are ready for a change after years of Democratic control in Sacramento.
California’s primary results remain unofficial. Counties are still processing ballots, and the state is scheduled to certify the results by July 10.