Xavier Becerra is projected to defeat Republican Steve Hilton and become California’s next governor, keeping the office in Democratic hands. He will succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is barred from seeking another consecutive term.
Becerra has spent more than 30 years in public service. He was elected to the California State Assembly in 1990, then served in Congress for more than two decades. In 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him state attorney general. Becerra won a full term the following year and later served as President Joe Biden’s health and human services secretary from 2021 to 2025.
The candidates advanced from a crowded, nonpartisan primary in June. Becerra finished first with about 28% of the vote, while Hilton placed second with roughly 25%. More than 9.4 million Californians voted, according to certified state results.
Becerra’s projected win extends Democrats’ long hold on statewide office in California, where registered Democrats greatly outnumber Republicans. The last Republican to win a gubernatorial election was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who secured re-election in 2006. He left office in January 2011.
Hilton, a former television host and policy adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, ran on a promise of change. He blamed years of Democratic leadership for California’s high living costs, homelessness and other persistent problems.
His proposals included cutting taxes and state spending, easing regulations and climate rules, and expanding energy production in hopes of bringing down housing, electricity and gasoline costs. President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton. During the campaign, Hilton said he would work with the administration but would disagree with Trump when he thought it necessary.
Becerra will take office as California grapples with housing and energy costs, homelessness and the prospect of budget deficits. Affordability was also a major theme of his campaign. He argued that rising expenses were putting the “California Dream” at risk, though his proposed response differed sharply from Hilton’s emphasis on broad cuts.
Becerra called for speeding up housing construction, expanding childcare support and early education, strengthening Medi-Cal and taking action against landlords he accused of price gouging. He also highlighted his work as health secretary, including efforts to reduce prescription drug costs and widen access to health coverage.
The candidates also offered contrasting approaches to the Trump administration. Becerra promised to defend state policies and programs against federal challenges, pointing to lawsuits he brought against the first Trump administration while serving as attorney general.
During the campaign, Becerra reiterated his support for access to transgender medical care, including for young people. As health secretary, he had argued that decisions about treatment for transgender minors should be made by families and medical providers, not politicians.
Hilton argued that Californians were increasingly frustrated with Democratic leadership, citing homelessness, high taxes and the cost of living. He said he believed voters might be ready to choose a different direction, despite the state’s long record of electing Democrats.
Newsom, elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, could not run for a third consecutive term. His departure comes as speculation continues about a possible 2028 presidential campaign.
Becerra is scheduled to be sworn in as California’s 41st governor in January 2027.
