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Xavier Becerra Elected California Governor
Xavier Becerra has been elected California’s next governor, becoming the first Latino to win the office. His victory continues more than two decades of Democratic control and comes as Democrats made gains in other major races, while Becerra is expected to take on President Donald Trump’s administration.
The 68-year-old former state attorney general and US health secretary defeated Republican Steve Hilton, who criticised the state’s governance and struggled to distance himself from Trump’s endorsement. Becerra’s campaign highlighted his experience and support for keeping film and television production in California; he will face efforts to expand the state’s annual production tax credit from $750 million to $1 billion.
In short
- Xavier Becerra will be California’s first elected Latino governor.
- His win extends more than 20 years of Democratic control.
- Expanding California’s production tax credit is now a key issue.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that Becerra’s election gives California an experienced leader with a record in state and federal government, and a mandate to continue Democratic policies voters have backed for more than two decades. His historic election as the state’s first Latino governor may also be seen as a meaningful step towards broader representation, while his support for film and television production offers a basis for protecting jobs and investment.
The case against
Critics can argue that continued one-party control risks weakening accountability, especially if voters remain dissatisfied with the state’s governance. They may favour Hilton’s case for change and question whether Becerra’s experience will produce better results; they could also scrutinise a larger production tax credit over its public cost and whether it delivers enough benefit to Californians.
Explained simply
California’s governor leads the state government and works with the legislature on budgets and laws. California has had Democratic governors for more than two decades, and its large economy and population give its policies national influence.
Xavier Becerra is a Democrat who previously served as California’s attorney general and as the US health secretary. His Republican opponent, Steve Hilton, focused his campaign on criticism of how the state is run; the race also drew attention to the role of President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
California offers tax credits to encourage film and television productions to be made in the state, supporting jobs and businesses across the industry. The current annual credit is $750 million, and proposals to increase it to $1 billion are part of the policy choices facing the new governor.