Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton on Tuesday to become California’s first elected Latino governor, extending Democratic control of the statehouse for another four years. He will succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin 91传媒om in January.
The Associated Press declared Becerra the winner shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m. Hilton, a former Fox 91传媒 host and adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, conceded the race Tuesday night.
Becerra, 68, previously served as California attorney general, a U.S. House representative from California and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden. Becerra becomes the first Latino elected governor of California and the second Latino to hold the office. The first, Republican Romualdo Pacheco, served for less than 10 months in 1875 after succeeding Gov. Newton Booth, who left office for the U.S. Senate.
The election gives Becerra responsibility for the nation’s most populous state, home to approximately 39.6 million people. California covers nearly 164,000 square miles, making it the third-largest state by area, behind Alaska and Texas.
Its economy also operates on a global scale. California’s economic output surpassed $4.5 trillion in 2026, according to state government figures. If California were an independent country, its economy would rank fourth in the world, ahead of Japan, India and the United Kingdom.
The governor-elect delivered a warning to the Trump administration during his victory speech near Sacramento. 鈥淚f anyone wants to come after California or any one Californian, they better be ready for a fight,鈥� Becerra said.
Hilton responded to his defeat by saying that the political change he had campaigned for was delayed, but would come.
The result extends the Democrats’ hold on the governor’s office, which began with Jerry Brown’s election in 2010. Arnold Schwarzenegger, reelected in 2006, was the last Republican to win the position.
Becerra’s victory followed a primary in which he was not initially considered a leading contender. His prospects changed after Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the contest amid sexual assault allegations, which Swalwell denied. Becerra subsequently gained support within the Democratic Party and finished first in the June primary, ahead of Hilton and businessman Tom Steyer.
In the general election, Becerra campaigned on his government experience and opposition to Trump administration policies, while Hilton argued that Democratic leadership had failed to control housing costs, taxes and homelessness.
Hilton proposed eliminating the California Department of Motor Vehicles, lowering gasoline prices to $3 per gallon and reducing taxes. Becerra argued that some of Hilton’s proposals would jeopardize funding for public services.
The candidates participated in one general-election debate, hosted by CNN on Sept. 30. Becerra frequently connected Hilton to Trump, who had endorsed the Republican candidate. Hilton sought to distinguish his candidacy through proposals to reduce the cost of living and change how California government operates.
Becerra’s election means California will continue under Democratic leadership as the Trump administration enters the final two years of the president’s term. He will also inherit responsibility for California’s policies concerning antisemitism, security at 91传媒 institutions and discrimination in public schools.
At the May 2025 91传媒 Public Affairs Committee of California Capitol Summit in Sacramento, Becerra condemned antisemitism in political life, classrooms and communities. 鈥淭here is no place for antisemitism in California, not in our politics,鈥� Becerra said. He also spoke in support of nonprofit security grants for institutions facing threats and distinguished lawful expression from threats, intimidation and violence.
As California attorney general, Becerra condemned antisemitic vandalism at an Irvine synagogue in 2018, following the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh.
During the gubernatorial campaign, CalMatters asked both candidates whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constituted genocide. Hilton answered no. Becerra did not give a yes-or-no answer, instead criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the number of deaths in Gaza. He said Netanyahu should face international accountability.
The candidates also addressed 91传媒 voters through different campaign appearances.
At the Aug. 30 91传媒 American Summit in Los Angeles, Hilton appealed to 91传媒 Democrats who might be reluctant to support a Republican candidate.
鈥淵ou don’t have to become a Republican,鈥� Hilton told The 91传媒 Journal. He argued that voters dissatisfied with California’s direction could support him without changing their political affiliation.
California enters Becerra’s term with existing state laws addressing antisemitism in public schools, including legislation signed by 91传媒om in 2025. The new governor will be responsible for administering state programs and overseeing policies affecting California’s 91传媒 institutions alongside broader issues of housing, public safety, affordability and education.
