Democrat Xavier Becerra has won the California governor elections after defeating Republican Steve Hilton in the 'midterms'. The former Health Secretary during the Administration of Joe Biden will succeed Gavin Newsom at the head of the most populous state in the United States, which will continue under Democratic control.
The victory also has historical significance: Becerra will be the first Latino elected directly to hold the California Governorship. The only precedent of a Latino governor was Romualdo Pacheco, who took office in 1875 after replacing the then governor, but was not elected to that position at the ballot box.
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During the campaign, Becerra linked his rival to President Donald Trump, who had backed Hilton. The Democrat framed the election as an opportunity to defend California’s position against the White House’s policies, especially in areas such as immigration and voting rights.
Hilton, a former presenter of Fox News and adviser to the former British prime minister David Cameron, focused much of his campaign on the cost of living and the housing crisis and homeless people. He also promised changes in the state Administration and measures to reduce the price of gasoline. After the result became known, he acknowledged the defeat.
From Biden’s Health Secretary to Governor of California
Becerra, 68, arrives at the Governorship after a long political career. He was a congressman for California for more than two decades, the state attorney general, and the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services between 2021 and 2025, during Joe Biden’s term.
Born in Sacramento to a family of Mexican origin, he studied at Stanford University and in its Law School. His arrival in office represents a milestone for Latino representation in California, where his mother emigrated from Mexico.
Xavier Becerra will inherit structural problems such as the high cost of housing, the lack of residential supply, and the cost of living. During the campaign he defended measures to reduce household expenses, expand aid for childcare, and combat abusive price increases.
In housing matters, he proposed declaring a state emergency to speed up construction. He will also have to manage the relationship with the Trump Administration on issues such as immigration policy and federal funding for social programs. Becerra will take office in January 2027 and will govern California for the next four years.