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California voters decide who will succeed Newsom in consequential governor’s race
Xavier Becerra is projected to defeat Republican Steve Hilton and succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor, keeping the office in Democratic hands. The result continues the party’s long dominance in statewide elections, while leaving Becerra to address persistent concerns over affordability, housing, homelessness and state finances.
Becerra, a former US health secretary and California attorney general, won about 28% in June’s crowded top-two primary; Hilton, a former Fox News host, took roughly 25%. Hilton called for tax and spending cuts, fewer regulations and expanded energy production, while Becerra proposed more state support for housing, childcare and healthcare. More than 9.4 million people voted in the primary, and no Republican has won a California governor’s race since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
In short
- Xavier Becerra is projected to succeed Gavin Newsom.
- The result keeps California’s governorship in Democratic hands.
- Affordability and housing costs were central campaign issues.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Becerra’s win can be seen as an endorsement of continued Democratic leadership and of using state resources to address high costs in housing, childcare and healthcare. Supporters may argue that public investment and regulation are needed to tackle problems that markets have not resolved, while preserving services and California’s policy priorities.
The case against
Hilton’s campaign can be seen as a case for changing course after years of Democratic control amid persistent affordability pressures and concerns about state finances. Supporters of his approach may argue that lower taxes, reduced spending and fewer regulations would ease burdens on households and businesses, while expanded energy production could help contain costs.
Explained simply
California’s governor leads the state government and helps shape its budget, public services and laws. California has voted reliably Democratic in recent statewide elections, but the cost of living, housing shortages and homelessness remain major concerns for many residents.
Xavier Becerra previously served as California’s attorney general and as US health secretary. His Republican opponent, Steve Hilton, is a former television host; they offered different approaches to taxes, regulation, energy and state support for housing, childcare and healthcare.
California uses a top-two primary, in which the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party. The governor will have to work with the state legislature and manage public finances while responding to competing demands for services and lower costs.