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Xavier Becerra Declared Winner of California Governor’s Race
Xavier Becerra has been declared the winner of California’s governor’s race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton after leading the June primary. His campaign focused on lowering energy costs, pursuing universal health care and opposing President Donald Trump, whom Becerra said he had sued more than 100 times as California attorney general.
The result leaves Becerra to decide whether to expand California’s film and television tax incentive, an issue important to Hollywood. Governor Gavin Newsom proposed increasing the annual credit from $750 million to $1 billion and extending it to 2040, but Becerra has made no firm commitment. He previously served in Congress, as state attorney general and as US health secretary; he became the Democratic frontrunner after Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race.
In short
- Xavier Becerra won California’s governor’s race.
- He has not committed to expanding the film tax credit.
- Newsom proposed raising the credit to $1 billion.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of expanding the film and television tax credit can argue that it helps keep productions and skilled jobs in California, supports businesses across the state and sustains an industry central to its cultural life. A larger, longer-term incentive could give studios greater certainty when deciding where to invest.
The case against
Those wary of expansion can argue that raising and extending the credit would commit substantial public funds that could be directed to health care, energy affordability or other priorities. They may also question whether the economic benefits justify the cost, especially if productions would have stayed in California without the subsidy.
Explained simply
California is the most populous US state, and its governor leads the state government, shaping policies on areas such as health care, energy and jobs. Xavier Becerra is a Democrat who has served in Congress, as California’s attorney general and as US health secretary.
The governor also influences California’s film and television tax credit, which reduces production costs for companies that make programmes and films in the state. The credit matters to Hollywood and to efforts to keep production work in California, and its future size and duration are decisions for the incoming governor and state lawmakers.