Xavier Becerra has been declared the winner of California’s gubernatorial race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton. The Democrat campaigned on lowering energy costs and working toward universal health care, while making opposition to President Trump a central theme. Becerra highlighted that, as California attorney general, he sued Trump more than 100 times during the president’s first term.
After finishing as the top vote-getter in the June primary, Becerra faced a comparatively clear path to victory. He made few firm commitments on policy, including on whether to expand California’s tax incentive for film and television production.
Becerra told Variety last month that Hollywood and attractions such as Universal Studios and Disneyland help draw visitors to Southern California, and said the state should work to keep the entertainment industry there. He has said he wants to enhance the production credit, but has not endorsed a specific proposal, adding that he would consider options put forward by legislators.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed on Monday increasing the state’s $750 million production tax credit to $1 billion, including above-the-line costs and extending the program’s sunset date to 2040. Newsom is due to leave office in two months, so the proposal will be considered under his successor. Becerra’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Newsom’s plan.
Some Hollywood groups are seeking an unlimited incentive that would operate as an entitlement rather than requiring discretionary approval from the state film commission. An Assembly special committee discussed that proposal at a hearing last week; committee chair Rick Chavez Zbur described it afterward as a “heavy lift.” Becerra has not stated a position on the unlimited-credit idea.
Becerra served in Congress before becoming California attorney general, succeeding Kamala Harris, and later led the Department of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration. He emerged as the frontrunner in a crowded primary after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew and resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations. His strongest Democratic rival was hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer, who was backed by IATSE and several progressive groups.
Sources: Variety.