By — Sophie Austin, Associated Press Sophie Austin, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrat-xavier-becerra-wins-california-governors-race-defeating-republican-steve-hilton Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrat Xavier Becerra wins California governor's race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton Politics Nov 3, 2026 11:12 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who ran on his decades of experience in public office, will take over from California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the next governor of the nation's most populous state. The victory by Becerra, a former state attorney general and Biden administration official, ensures California and the White House will remain adversaries for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Becerra repeatedly tied his opponent, Republican Steve Hilton, to the president and promised to defend California against Trump's policies on everything from immigration to voting rights. "In so many ways, this election is a choice between reaching higher for California's golden dream or descending…
Democrat Xavier Becerra wins California governor's race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton
In short
Becerra secured the victory by leveraging his 35 years in public service and directly appealing to Latino voters while tying his rival to the unpopular Trump administration. His opponent, former Fox News host Steve Hilton, attempted to break the Democratic stronghold by targeting the state's homelessness and cost of living through splashy ads with AI-generated content. Becerra originally stepped up to become the party's choice after former front-runner Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress and exited the race over sexual assault allegations.
Key points
- California will continue to serve as a formidable adversary against President Donald Trum…: California will continue to serve as a formidable adversary against President Donald Trump's federal policies on immigration and voting rights.
- Democratic control of California statewide offices remains firmly intact, extending a con…: Democratic control of California statewide offices remains firmly intact, extending a consecutive winning streak that spans 16 years.
- The state has inaugurated its first Latino governor since the late 19th century following…: The state has inaugurated its first Latino governor since the late 19th century following Becerra's decisive electoral victory.