Xavier Becerra wins in California and will be the first Hispanic governor since 1875

Xavier Becerra has won California’s gubernatorial race, according to early projections, becoming the first Latino governor of the state in more than 150 years. His victory is notable in the nation’s most populous state and follows a campaign shaped by national political divisions and disputes over voting.

Becerra, 68, is the son of Mexican immigrants and has spent 35 years in politics, including serving as US health secretary under Joe Biden. He defeated Republican Steve Hilton, who received substantial backing from Donald Trump and a $33.6 million fund raised through 158,000 contributions; recent polls had put Becerra at 60% to 61% and Hilton at 33% to 38%. The previous Hispanic governor, Romualdo Pacheco, served for ten months in 1875.