SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Xavier Becerra has secured his position in California’s general election for governor on Friday, following a campaign where he promoted his extensive background as the best choice to govern the country’s largest state by population and take over from the current Democratic governor.
Drawing upon his extensive career spanning more than three decades in government roles — including positions as the state’s top legal officer and federal health secretary — Becerra made the case that his qualifications surpassed those of other candidates in the competitive race.
“I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California’s promise to make sure we have the governance worthy of our gifts,” he stated during his election night remarks.
The identity of Becerra’s opponent in the upcoming general election remains uncertain. His primary competition included Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator who received backing from President Donald Trump, and Democrat Tom Steyer, a wealthy environmental advocate who invested $215 million of his personal funds into his bid.
Initially, Becerra’s political effort struggled to build momentum in its early stages. However, circumstances shifted when a leading Democratic candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell, faced allegations of sexual misconduct and withdrew from the contest, creating space for Becerra to unite Democratic voters behind his candidacy.
Becerra has pledged to continue California’s role as a primary opponent to President Donald Trump’s policies. In his previous role as attorney general, he initiated over 120 lawsuits against Trump’s first presidency, challenging policies ranging from immigration enforcement to environmental regulations.
Throughout the campaign, opponents questioned his performance as health secretary during the coronavirus outbreak and the crisis involving unaccompanied migrant children in 2021, when his department oversaw facilities housing these minors. Critics pointed to substandard conditions at some locations and inadequate screening of potential guardians for these children.
Should he win the election, Becerra has announced plans to issue emergency declarations targeting expensive energy costs and housing availability while implementing a moratorium on home insurance rate increases.
Despite California’s reputation as one of America’s most ethnically diverse states, nearly every previous governor has been a white male. Becerra’s election would mark the first time a Latino has held this position since the 1800s.
Current Governor Newsom cannot run again due to constitutional term restrictions preventing a third consecutive term.
