Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has been elected governor of California, NBC News projects, defeating Republican Steve Hilton in a race that underscored the state’s Democratic dominance.
Becerra secured a four-year term to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and could seek the presidency in 2028. California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, and Donald Trump lost the state by 20 percentage points in the 2024 election.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
California voters chose Becerra over Hilton in the state’s nonpartisan top-two primary system, where Becerra finished first with roughly 28% of the vote and Hilton advanced in second with about 25%, according to certified results from the California secretary of state’s office. More than 9.4 million Californians cast ballots in the June primary.
Becerra, 68, previously served as California’s attorney general from 2017 to 2021 and as U.S. HHS secretary under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. He was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1990 and later served 12 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the House Democratic Caucus.
Hilton, a former Fox News host and policy advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigned as a change candidate, arguing that years of Democratic control in Sacramento had contributed to issues such as high cost of living, homelessness, and regulatory burdens.
Deeper Dive & Context
Campaign Platforms and Priorities
Becerra’s campaign emphasized resisting federal policies under Trump, framing his candidacy as a defense against potential rollbacks on healthcare access, housing affordability, wage protections, and immigrant rights. His platform included proposals to lower healthcare costs, expand housing construction, address price gouging, and invest in clean energy and disaster mitigation, citing recent wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
He also advocated for AI regulation while promoting its benefits in government and education. His campaign website stated: “When Trump and his administration threaten access to healthcare, affordable housing, fair wages, or protections for immigrants and marginalized communities, the state has a responsibility to step in and fight.”
Hilton proposed cutting taxes and state spending, rolling back regulations and climate mandates, and expanding energy production to reduce housing, electricity, and gasoline costs. He received an endorsement from Trump but positioned himself as an independent voice within the Republican Party.
Political and Historical Context
California’s electorate has favored Democrats in statewide races for decades. Registered Democrats substantially outnumber Republicans, and the last Republican governor, Schwarzenegger, left office in January 2011. Becerra’s victory continues a streak of Democratic control in the governor’s mansion, with no Republican elected since his re-election in 2006.
Becerra’s tenure as attorney general included 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration, a record cited in his campaign to demonstrate his willingness to challenge federal policies. His transition from HHS secretary to gubernatorial candidate reflects his long-standing presence in California and national politics.
Election Mechanics and Turnout
The primary election saw high participation, with over 9.4 million ballots cast, reflecting strong voter engagement in a state with a population of nearly 39 million. The top-two primary system, unique to California, allows voters to choose from all candidates regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election.
Becerra and Hilton emerged from a crowded field of candidates in June, positioning the race as a referendum on the state’s direction amid economic and social challenges.
Implications for State and Federal Policy
Becerra’s election is expected to maintain California’s alignment with progressive policies on climate, healthcare, immigration, and labor standards. His administration may continue or expand initiatives such as healthcare subsidies, housing production goals, and environmental regulations, while resisting federal efforts to preempt state authority in these areas.
Hilton’s campaign signaled a potential shift toward market-based solutions, deregulation, and reduced state intervention in energy and housing markets, aligning with broader Republican critiques of California’s policy approach.
Reactions and Next Steps
Becerra is scheduled to be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027, succeeding Newsom. His administration will face ongoing challenges, including housing affordability, wildfire preparedness, and fiscal sustainability, as well as potential conflicts with a federal government led by a president whose policies he has historically opposed.