Xavier Becerra Elected Governor of California

Democrat Xavier Becerra has been elected the next governor of California, according to projections from the Associated Press and NBC News. Becerra, 68, will succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and could run for president in 2028. The victory makes Becerra the first Latino to win the state’s highest office since Romualdo Pacheco in 1875, though Pacheco was elevated to the post rather than elected.

Campaign Background and Primary Results

Becerra's path to the governorship followed a volatile primary season. For much of the race, Becerra was considered an "also-ran" and admitted his campaign was "an afterthought, maybe even a punchline" at one point. His political fortunes changed after former Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race in April following sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied. Following Swalwell's departure, Becerra emerged from a crowded field to secure a spot on the November general election ballot alongside Republican Steve Hilton.

Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, ran a campaign criticizing California's governance. He argued that "one-party rule" was responsible for the state's high cost of living and homelessness crisis. Hilton also pledged to abolish the DMV and cut gas prices to $3 a gallon. During the campaign, Hilton released advertisements that included AI-generated content to appeal to Democratic voters.

Policy Platforms and Key Issues

Becerra centered his campaign on the "California Dream," focusing on affordability and his experience in public office. He emphasized his record as California's attorney general, noting he had sued the Trump administration 122 times. His platform included calls for lowering healthcare costs, building more homes, and investing in disaster mitigation for wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Regarding technology, Becerra advocated for regulating AI while promoting its benefits in government and schools.

In contrast, Hilton promised a platform of tax cuts, smaller government, and cheaper fuel. He also supported expanding school choice and making it easier to fire underperforming teachers and principals.

Key policy areas for the incoming administration include:

• Education: A major change is set for Jan. 1, when a governor-appointed education commissioner will take over management of the California Department of Education from the elected state superintendent.
• Film and TV: Both candidates addressed the flight of production from the state. Becerra supported tax credits, stating, "If we give a tax credit, so long as we get more than $1 back for that dollar in tax credit, we’re going to do it because Hollywood belongs here."
• Taxation: Becerra has discussed a possible new income tax on California's wealthiest and a healthcare fee for major companies.

Why it matters

Becerra's election ensures that California will remain an adversary to the White House during the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The win also contributes to a broader night for Democrats, who were projected to take control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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Sources

• deadline.com: California Governor Election 2026 Results
• abc7news.com: Election 2026: California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra projected to win governor's race - ABC7 San Francisco
• edsource.org: Xavier Becerra will become California governor as education shake-up looms | EdSource
• nbcnews.com: Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra wins California governor’s race
• kcra.com: Xavier Becerra projected winner in California governor's race - KCRA
• theguardian.com: Xavier Becerra wins California race for governor with vows to resist Trump’s agenda | US midterm elections 2026 | The Guardian

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.