(Daily Signal)—California will remain under Democrat leadership for another four years, as former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra has defeated Republican Steve Hilton in the race for governor.
Decision Desk HQ called the race for Becerra at 11:13 p.m. EST, with Becerra leading Hilton by 64.6% to 35.6%.
The result was expected, as the latest poll of likely voters by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times in late October, showed Hilton with just 34% support, compared with Becerra at 61%.
In a celebratory post on X, Becerra, who campaigned largely on continuing California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s legacy, preserving health care access for illegal immigrants, and opposing President Donald Trump’s policies, said he would “fight for every family in this state, every single day.”
In his concession speech, Hilton, who campaigned on promises of $3 gas, $73 vehicle registration fees, and no state income tax on the first $150,000 earned, remained hopeful that California could one day change.
“People in this state are crying out for change, and it is our responsibility to fight like never before to bring that change to California—Change may be delayed, but change is coming,” the Republican said.
Newsom quickly congratulated Becerra online.
“Xavier Becerra will be a governor who will carry the torch for California—someone who, with Dr. Reyes, will represent our state and its diverse communities. A son [of] immigrants, a product of the California dream who will stand up to Donald Trump and represent our values,” Newsom posted on X.
With Democrats controlling both the state Assembly and Senate, Becerra faces few legislative obstacles in advancing his agenda.
Among his priorities, Becerra has promised to protect California’s sanctuary city policies by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, promoting taxpayer-funded health care regardless of immigration status, moving the Golden State toward a universal single-payer health care system, defending access to abortion, and aggressively supporting clean energy goals across the state.
Just days before the election, Becerra came under fire for appearing open to a mileage-based driving tax in California, a state where millions of residents rely on their cars for daily commutes.
Becerra is set to take office on Jan. 4, 2027, succeeding Newsom, who served eight years in office.
