The first-place finisher in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor has been announced.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has officially secured a place in California’s November gubernatorial election, guaranteeing that Democrats will not be shut out of the race despite a crowded field of candidates.

CNN’s Decision Desk projected Friday that Becerra would advance to the general election after building an insurmountable lead over several rivals competing for one of the top two spots.

The result comes as a major relief for California Democrats, who had worried that multiple candidates splitting the vote could potentially allow two Republicans to advance under the state’s top-two primary system.

Instead, Becerra’s advancement ensures Democrats will have a nominee on the November ballot.

“I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor,” Becerra said in a video posted to X. “Let’s go win this thing.”