Xavier Becerra Wins California Governor Race and Makes History

California will have its first Latino governor elected by voters after Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton in the November 3, 2026, gubernatorial election. The Associated Press projected Becerra's victory shortly after polling stations closed, securing Democratic control of the state's executive office and setting him up to succeed Gavin Newsom in January 2027.

At 68, Becerra brings decades of government experience to the position. According to election coverage from The New York Times and Fox News, his career includes more than two decades in Congress, four years as California attorney general and a five-year tenure as US Health and Human Services secretary from 2021 to 2025.

The victory represents a significant milestone in California's political history. Becerra's rise was considered unlikely a year earlier, when his polling performance was sufficiently weak that his own party chairman urged him to withdraw from the gubernatorial contest, according to The New York Times.

Speaking at his victory celebration in West Sacramento, Becerra highlighted his background and the significance of the election.

"What a great night to be a Californian. What a great night to be an American, to be the son of immigrants from a union household. To be standing in victory with all of you," said Becerra.

He also acknowledged the difficulties surrounding his political journey, describing the preceding two years as particularly challenging.

"Yes we did," said Becerra.

As he arrived on stage, supporters welcomed him with chants of "Yes, we can." The celebration reflected the campaign's determination despite its difficult early position.

"We knew it was mission: necessary," said Becerra.

He subsequently led the audience in another round of chants before addressing the significance of the result.

"Yes, we can. Yes, we did," said Becerra.

Becerra's victory also extends the Democratic Party's longstanding dominance in California statewide elections. According to Fox News, Republicans have not won a gubernatorial election in the state since Arnold Schwarzenegger secured reelection in 2006.

Hilton, a former political adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, entered the general election after finishing second in California's June nonpartisan primary. Certified results showed Becerra received approximately 28% of the primary vote, compared with Hilton's roughly 25%, with more than 9.4 million ballots cast.

Hilton campaigned on changing California's political direction, criticizing Democratic leadership over homelessness, taxation and the rising cost of living. His proposals included reducing taxes and government spending, reversing regulations and climate mandates, and expanding energy production. President Donald Trump also endorsed his candidacy.

During the campaign, Hilton expressed confidence that Republican voters could overcome the state's Democratic advantage.

"I know everyone says, 'Well, it's California, Republicans can't win.' I don't know. I think people are sick of all this. And they're sick of Becerra just taking them for granted, and I think we can win this election," Hilton said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Becerra presented a different economic approach, emphasizing public investment, expanded assistance programs and stronger state oversight. His proposals included accelerating housing construction, expanding childcare assistance and early education, strengthening Medi-Cal and addressing alleged price gouging by landlords.

He also campaigned on protecting California policies against federal challenges, drawing on his record as attorney general during the first Trump administration. According to The New York Times, he filed 122 lawsuits against that administration while serving in the position.

Additional priorities discussed during his campaign included a possible income tax targeting California's wealthiest residents, healthcare fees for major companies and changes to the state's high-speed rail project.

Becerra will inherit persistent challenges involving housing affordability, energy costs, homelessness and projected budget deficits. His administration will also take responsibility for implementing the policy commitments presented during the election campaign.

Newsom cannot seek another consecutive term because California law limits governors to two terms. After winning elections in 2018 and 2022, he will leave office at the end of 2026. Becerra is scheduled to become California's 41st governor when he is sworn in during January 2027.