PoliticsTuesday, November 3, 20261 min read

Trump and the high cost of living loom over California governor's race between Becerra and Hilton

By Sophie Austin, Associated Press · Via PBS NewsHour · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Becerra became the Democratic standard-bearer after former front-runner Eric Swalwell exited the race and resigned from Congress due to sexual assault allegations he denied. To defeat Hilton, Becerra has linked the former Fox News host to Trump, who endorsed the Republican candidate. Hilton is targeting the state's expensive living conditions, despite registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans nearly two to one. Meanwhile, the contest played out alongside unsuccessful Trump administration lawsuits attempting to block up to 20,000 ballots over noncitizen voting claims.

Key points

Xavier Becerra is campaigning on his extensive public service experience to serve as a ch…: Xavier Becerra is campaigning on his extensive public service experience to serve as a check against Donald Trump.
Steve Hilton is pitching himself as an outsider who can resolve soaring costs for housing…: Steve Hilton is pitching himself as an outsider who can resolve soaring costs for housing, gas, and education.
Federal legal challenges claiming widespread noncitizen registration failed to gain tract…: Federal legal challenges claiming widespread noncitizen registration failed to gain traction in court ahead of the vote.

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By — Sophie Austin, Associated Press Sophie Austin, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-and-the-high-cost-of-living-loom-over-california-governors-race-between-becerra-and-hilton Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump and the high cost of living loom over California governor's race between Becerra and Hilton Politics Nov 3, 2026 5:51 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — President Donald Trump, California's notoriously high cost of living and political experience are on the ballot as voters decide Tuesday whether to elect Democrat Xavier Becerra or Republican Steve Hilton as the next governor of the nation's most populous state. WATCH LIVE: Election night 2026 PBS News special coverage The winner will succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can't seek a third term but is considering a White House run. Becerra, a former state attorney general, has promised to reaffirm California's status as a liberal counterweight to the Trump administration's Republican policies. Hilton, a former political adviser in the United Kingdom and Fox News…

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Key Points

Xavier Becerra is campaigning on his extensive public service experience to serve as a ch…: Xavier Becerra is campaigning on his extensive public service experience to serve as a check against Donald Trump.
Steve Hilton is pitching himself as an outsider who can resolve soaring costs for housing…: Steve Hilton is pitching himself as an outsider who can resolve soaring costs for housing, gas, and education.
Federal legal challenges claiming widespread noncitizen registration failed to gain tract…: Federal legal challenges claiming widespread noncitizen registration failed to gain traction in court ahead of the vote.

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AI Analysis

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In short

Key Points

Xavier Becerra is campaigning on his extensive public service experience to serve as a ch…: Xavier Becerra is campaigning on his extensive public service experience to serve as a check against Donald Trump.
Steve Hilton is pitching himself as an outsider who can resolve soaring costs for housing…: Steve Hilton is pitching himself as an outsider who can resolve soaring costs for housing, gas, and education.
Federal legal challenges claiming widespread noncitizen registration failed to gain tract…: Federal legal challenges claiming widespread noncitizen registration failed to gain traction in court ahead of the vote.

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Trump and the high cost of living loom over California governor's race between Becerra and Hilton

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