By Islam El-Sakka
Democrat Xavier Becerra has been elected governor of California, defeating Republican Steve Hilton in the November 4 election, NBC News projects. Becerra, 68, will succeed term-limited Democrat Gavin Newsom for a four-year term.
Victory over Trump-backed opponent
Becerra beat Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by Donald Trump, in a state that has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Trump lost California by 20 percentage points in 2024.
Becerra's political career
Becerra served as Health and Human Services secretary under President Biden, previously as California attorney general, a 12-term U.S. House member, and a state legislator. In Congress he chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the House Democratic Caucus.
Campaign platform
Becerra ran on opposing Trump administration policies, pledging to protect healthcare access, affordable housing, fair wages, and immigrant rights. He highlighted his record of suing the Trump administration 122 times as attorney general. His platform also addressed lowering healthcare costs, expanding housing, regulating artificial intelligence, and investing in disaster mitigation amid wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
Criticism and primary challenges
Some Biden administration alumni criticized Becerra's management of health crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, a baby formula shortage, an mpox outbreak, and the arrival of unaccompanied children at the border. He advanced to the general election after former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out in April amid sexual assault allegations, which he denied.
Hilton's background
Hilton, a British-born U.S. citizen since 2021, advanced past billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer and Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco in the primary. He attacked Becerra's tenure in federal and state roles, arguing his work did not resolve California's problems.
