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California’s fifth consecutive Catholic governor exemplifies the faith’s deep roots
Xavier Becerra’s election as California governor extends the state’s run of Catholic governors to five consecutive leaders, reflecting Catholicism’s longstanding place in California life. His faith-informed support for abortion rights also illustrates how Catholic identity can coexist with progressive politics, and why Catholic voters do not consistently align with one party.
California has more Catholics than any other state: a 2024 Pew poll found that 25% of adults there identify as Catholic. The AP Voter Poll, based on roughly 100,000 midterm voters, found that Catholics made up about two in 10 voters in the governor’s race; around six in 10 backed Becerra and four in 10 chose his Republican opponent. Catholic teachings span issues including social welfare, the death penalty, abortion and in vitro fertilisation, contributing to varied political views.
In short
- Becerra’s election makes him California’s fifth consecutive Catholic governor.
- About six in 10 Catholic voters backed Becerra.
- Catholic beliefs and voting patterns in California cross political lines.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Becerra’s election can be seen as evidence that Catholic identity is deeply rooted in California and can sit alongside progressive politics. Catholic social teaching addresses poverty, welfare and the death penalty as well as abortion, so voters may weigh these concerns differently; the reported support among Catholic voters suggests faith does not dictate a single party choice.
The case against
The succession of Catholic governors and Becerra’s faith-informed politics may be read as evidence of Catholic influence in state leadership, but one election does not show that the wider Catholic community is politically represented or that faith explains voters’ choices. Catholic teaching includes positions that can conflict with progressive policies, particularly on abortion, so treating Becerra as an example of Catholic political identity may obscure meaningful disagreements among Catholics.