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How the xenophobia that marked California in 1994 ultimately led a son of immigrants to become governor
Xavier Becerra has won California’s governorship, a victory the article links to the political legacy of Proposition 187, the state’s 1994 anti-immigration initiative. Though the measure never took effect, it sparked a mobilisation that helped bring a new generation of Hispanic leaders into public office; Becerra’s win is presented as a reversal of the outcome its supporters sought.
Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton, a conservative commentator endorsed by Donald Trump, by more than 29 percentage points in preliminary returns. If the margin holds, it would rank among California’s biggest gubernatorial wins since 1994; no Hispanic person has served as governor since 1875. Becerra is due to take office in January and has pledged to challenge Trump administration immigration policies. California has about 2.3 million undocumented residents, and around 50,000 immigrants were detained in the state by ICE from January 2025 through last July, according to cited research.
In short
- Becerra won California’s governorship by more than 29 points.
- His victory is linked to the legacy of Proposition 187.
- He has pledged to oppose Trump administration immigration policies.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Proposition 187 argued that California should discourage unlawful immigration and reserve publicly funded services for people legally entitled to them. They saw the measure as a way to enforce immigration rules and respond to concerns about the cost and capacity of schools and health services.
The case against
Opponents argued that denying services to undocumented residents would harm children and communities, and that immigration enforcement was a federal responsibility. They viewed Proposition 187 as discriminatory and counterproductive; its political backlash helped mobilise Hispanic voters and leaders, culminating in victories such as Becerra’s.
Explained simply
Proposition 187 was a 1994 California ballot measure that sought to deny undocumented immigrants access to public services, including public schooling and healthcare. Voters approved it, but courts blocked it before it could take effect.
The measure became a focus for protests and organising, especially among Latino communities, and helped spur greater political participation. In the years that followed, more Hispanic candidates entered public life in California.
Xavier Becerra is the son of Mexican immigrants and has held senior public offices, including serving as California’s attorney general and as a US cabinet secretary. California has one of the country’s largest undocumented populations, so state decisions on immigration can affect many residents and shape disputes with the federal government.