Xavier Becerra elected Governor of California, defeating Steve Hilton

Democrat Xavier Becerra has won the California gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Steve Hilton to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra, a former federal health secretary, will become the state's first Latino governor in more than 150 years.

Major news outlets, including CBS News, NBC News, and Fox News, projected Becerra as the winner of the contest to lead America's most populous state. The 68-year-old Democrat ran on a platform of protecting California's policies against the federal administration, frequently citing his record of filing 122 lawsuits against Donald Trump during his time as the state's attorney general. During a victory event in Sacramento, The Guardian reported that Becerra told supporters his mission was to defend the state while addressing its affordability crisis.

His opponent, Steve Hilton, is a former Fox News host and advisor to a British prime minister who had earned an endorsement from Donald Trump. According to Fox News, Hilton campaigned as a change candidate, arguing that Democratic leadership was responsible for the state's high taxes and homelessness. Hilton's proposals included repealing the state gas tax and eliminating income taxes on the first $150,000 of earnings, while CBS News noted Becerra argued such policies would harm average families.

The race saw several shifts before the June primary. CBS News reported that Becerra emerged as a top candidate after former Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew from the contest in April following misconduct allegations, which Swalwell denied. In the general election, Becerra maintained a significant lead, with an October poll from UC Berkeley and the Los Angeles Times showing him with 61% support compared to Hilton's 34%.

While Becerra's victory was projected by major networks, NBC News reported that he faced criticism during the campaign from alumni of the Biden administration. These critics questioned his past management of the Covid-19 pandemic, a baby formula shortage, and the arrival of unaccompanied children at the border during his tenure as Health and Human Services secretary.

Background

Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton advanced to the general election after a June primary where Becerra secured roughly 28% of the vote and Hilton took 25%. A Republican has not won the California governor's office since Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election in 2006.