Democrat Xavier Becerra has won California’s gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Steve Hilton, according to the Associated Press. His victory makes him the first Latino elected to lead the state in more than 150 years. He is scheduled to take office on Jan. 5, 2027, succeeding Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The AP declared Becerra the winner shortly after voting ended at 8 p.m. Tuesday. By 9:30 p.m., 49 percent of ballots had been counted, and he held a substantial advantage. Addressing supporters, Becerra celebrated his background as the son of immigrants raised in a union household and credited their efforts for the result. He invoked Dolores Huerta’s rallying cry, “Sí, se puede,” before telling the crowd, “We fought and we won!”
Hilton acknowledged his defeat Tuesday night, describing his travels around California during the campaign as an honor. He suggested that Republicans were facing a difficult election year but praised the state and promised to remain involved. “Our fight goes on, and I’ll be there with you,” he told supporters.
California’s political landscape presented a considerable obstacle for Hilton, a British-born former Fox News host endorsed by President Donald Trump. Registered Democrats exceed Republicans by 4.6 million in the state, which has not elected a Republican to statewide office in two decades. Its most recent Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, left office in 2011.
Hilton made government waste, living expenses, education changes and public safety central to his campaign. His proposals included removing state income tax on residents’ first $150,000 in earnings, bringing gasoline prices down to $3 a gallon and banning homeless encampments statewide. He also proposed a film tax credit reaching as high as 60 percent to support Hollywood. His campaign drew attention through advertisements and videos, including an ad featuring sexual innuendo and a widely circulated mistake involving a “Barstow street taco.”
Becerra, who was born in Sacramento, previously served as California attorney general and as the 25th U.S. secretary of health and human services under President Joe Biden. His primary bid initially struggled to gain momentum. After fellow Democrat Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual misconduct allegations, Becerra gathered support and launched a seven-figure advertising push. He moved ahead of Democratic competitors, including Tom Steyer, in the weeks before June’s primary.
Reducing living costs, broadening healthcare access and investing in infrastructure formed the core of Becerra’s campaign. His plans include doubling California’s home-building rate, pursuing a universal single-payer healthcare system and proposing a tax on the state’s highest earners. Those priorities address concerns among Californians about affordability, housing and homelessness.
Becerra also outlined measures for an entertainment industry that has seen substantial production leave California. He wants legislation requiring studios and streaming companies to make performance data available to everyone. He has also proposed expanding entertainment tax credits in specific areas where the state is losing work.
