Xavier Becerra Defeats Steve Hilton to Win California Governor’s Race
Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton in California’s Nov. 3 gubernatorial election. The Associated Press called the race on election night, followed by projections and reports from NBC, CBS and California news organizations. Becerra previously served as California attorney general, a member of Congress and secretary of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration. His victory makes him the first Latino elected governor of California. He will succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Results and historic significance
California’s election results showed Becerra with a decisive lead over Hilton. KQED, using Associated Press data, reported Becerra at roughly 64% and Hilton at about 36% in updates on Nov. 4. The totals changed as counties continued processing mail ballots and other votes, so snapshots from different update times should not be treated as final certified totals. The result is historic: Latinos make up a substantial share of California’s population, but the state had never elected a Latino governor.
Two different political approaches
Becerra campaigned on government experience, health care and opposition to policies from the Trump administration. He represented the Los Angeles area in Congress, served as California attorney general and later led the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Hilton, a former British political adviser and U.S. television commentator who hosted a Fox News program, focused on lowering the cost of living, cutting taxes and reducing regulation. He argued that California needed a change after years of Democratic control. Their contest reflected competing views about the state’s direction and how to address affordability.
A difficult governing agenda
Becerra will inherit persistent challenges: limited housing supply, high home prices and rents, homelessness, health care costs, wildfire exposure and pressure on the state budget. KQED’s election background noted that California operates a large budget while facing projections of a structural deficit in coming years. Becerra emphasized experience and continuity during the campaign. Voters and lawmakers will now look for concrete proposals on housing, energy, public safety and the cost of living.
Relations with Washington
California has frequently clashed with Republican administrations over immigration, environmental rules, health care and federal regulation. Becerra’s experience in both state and federal government gives him familiarity with those disputes. His election may keep California among the most prominent Democratic opponents of Trump administration policies, but the nature of future confrontations will depend on actual executive actions and litigation. Becerra is expected to take office in January 2027, when responsibility for the state’s executive branch formally transfers to him.