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Xavier Becerra Defeats Steve Hilton to Become California’s First Latino Governor in 150 Years
Xavier Becerra has defeated Republican Steve Hilton to become California’s next governor, according to the Associated Press. He will be the state’s first Latino governor in more than 150 years, taking office as Californians face concerns about affordability and the cost of living.
The AP called the race shortly after polls closed on Tuesday; with 49 per cent of ballots counted at 9.30pm, Becerra had a substantial lead. A former California attorney general and US health secretary under Joe Biden, he campaigned on living costs, healthcare and infrastructure. Hilton conceded, after running on proposals including lower taxes, cheaper petrol and statewide bans on homeless encampments.
In short
- Xavier Becerra won California’s governorship.
- He will be the state’s first Latino governor in over 150 years.
- Steve Hilton conceded after the AP called the race.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Becerra’s victory can be seen as a mandate for addressing affordability through public investment and stronger access to healthcare and infrastructure. His historic election as California’s first Latino governor in more than 150 years may also offer meaningful representation to a large part of the state’s population.
The case against
Hilton’s platform spoke to voters who believe high taxes and living costs require direct cost reductions, including tax cuts and cheaper petrol. His proposals to prohibit homeless encampments may appeal to those who see a statewide ban as a way to restore public order and press for alternatives to street homelessness.
Explained simply
California’s governor leads the state government and works with the legislature on issues such as spending, healthcare and transport. The job can influence policies that affect daily life across the country’s most populous state.
Xavier Becerra previously served as California’s attorney general and as US health secretary under President Joe Biden. Steve Hilton, his Republican opponent, is a former adviser to British prime minister David Cameron who built his campaign around proposals on taxes, petrol prices and homelessness.
The result is significant in a state with a large Latino population and a history of only one Latino governor, Romualdo Pacheco, in the 19th century. Affordability and the cost of living are major concerns for Californians, and the next governor will help shape the state’s response.