Democrat Xavier Becerra Wins California Governor Race

Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton to win the California governor’s race, becoming the first Latino to lead the state in more than 150 years.

The Associated Press called the race for Becerra just after polls closed, with no votes yet reported. CBS News had him leading 65 percent to 35 percent with about 46 percent of ballots counted, and NBC News also projected him the winner.

Becerra, 68, will succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom and serve a four-year term. He is the first Latino governor since Romualdo Pacheco, more than 150 years ago.

California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, and President Trump lost the state by 20 points in 2024.

The race centered on the state’s cost of living, housing affordability, energy policy and relations with the federal government. Hilton, a former Fox News host who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, argued that California’s climate rules and regulations are a main reason for its high gas prices. He proposed eliminating state income tax on the first $150,000 of income, repealing the state gas tax, capping fees on new housing developments and incorporating 10 new cities to encourage homebuilding.

Becerra pledged to lower everyday costs while preserving the state’s clean energy transition. He said he would protect prospective homeowners from being outbid by investors, enforce laws that require local governments to build new homes, cut red tape to raise housing supply and expand down-payment assistance. He also proposed a midday “power hour” of free electricity for low-income households and backed guardrails on artificial intelligence while promoting its use in government and schools.

Hilton said he would support full state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and disagrees with California’s “sanctuary state” law, SB 54. Becerra said he would uphold it, noting he defended the law against the federal government as attorney general. Hilton also vowed to clear the state’s encampments by the end of 2027 and build a statewide network of Homeless Recovery Centers. Becerra said the state’s progress on homelessness has not been “good enough” and called for a focus on prevention and mental health services.

In their September debate, Becerra criticized Hilton’s tax proposals as ones that would “make it harder for working families,” while Hilton argued that cutting taxes would put more money in Californians’ pockets.

Becerra served 12 terms in the U.S. House representing central Los Angeles, chairing both the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the House Democratic Caucus, after two years in the state Legislature. He helped draft and pass the Affordable Care Act while in House Democratic leadership.

He later became California’s first Latino attorney general after succeeding Kamala Harris and announced the state’s 100th lawsuit against the Trump administration, on the way to more than 120. He also served as the nation’s health secretary under President Joe Biden, drawing criticism from Biden alumni over his handling of the Covid pandemic, a baby formula shortage and an mpox outbreak.

Becerra entered the general election from a crowded primary after Eric Swalwell left the race in April over several claims of sexual assault and misconduct, which he denied. Becerra drew about 28 percent in the June primary to Hilton’s 25 percent, with billionaire Tom Steyer at about 23 percent. An October poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found Becerra at 61 percent and Hilton at 34.

President Trump endorsed Hilton in April. Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris were among the key figures backing Becerra.