Xavier Becerra has been elected governor of California, becoming the first Latino to win the state’s highest office. The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night, with the Democrat defeating Republican Steve Hilton to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom.
Becerra, 68, previously served as California attorney general and as secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden. He ran a comparatively low-key campaign and highlighted his experience as preparation for challenging the Trump administration. His path to the nomination opened after Democratic front-runner Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Hilton, a former Fox News host, had criticized California’s governance after years of Democratic rule. Donald Trump endorsed him in the primary, and Hilton faced questions about that association as he sought to appeal to voters. Becerra’s victory continues the state’s Democratic dominance; the last Republican elected governor was more than 20 years ago.
Both candidates addressed the departure of film and television production from California during a CNN debate. Becerra supported offering tax credits if they generated more revenue than they cost, arguing that Hollywood should remain in the state. Hilton blamed Democrats for the production losses and proposed reducing bureaucracy and regulation.
California’s film and television tax credit currently provides $750 million a year. Newsom proposed increasing it to $1 billion on Monday. Becerra had opposed removing the program’s cap, and the proposed expansion will need to pass into law during his tenure.
Newsom congratulated Becerra on Tuesday, describing him as a product of the California dream who would stand up to Trump. Becerra is the first Latino elected governor of California. Romualdo Pacheco, who held the office in 1875 after his predecessor became a U.S. senator, was not elected to the governorship.
Sources: Deadline.