Democrat Xavier Becerra has defeated former Fox News presenter Steve Hilton in California’s gubernatorial election, securing the opportunity to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Associated Press declared Becerra the winner on Election Night after he secured approximately 64 per cent of the vote, bringing an end to a closely watched contest between the Democratic establishment and a Republican candidate backed by President Donald Trump.
The election followed a fiercely contested campaign marked by substantial political spending and attacks over California’s cost of living, homelessness crisis and public safety concerns.
Hilton’s Campaign Focused on Political Change
Hilton, who previously served as chief strategist to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before becoming a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and television personality, campaigned on a promise to disrupt California’s longstanding Democratic leadership.
With Trump’s endorsement, the Republican candidate presented himself as an outsider capable of changing the state’s political direction.
Trump had described Hilton as a “truly fine man” while backing his campaign.
Hilton repeatedly criticised Democratic leadership in Sacramento, arguing that decades of one-party dominance had failed to address the challenges facing California residents.
During their only televised debate, Hilton accused Becerra of concentrating too heavily on Trump rather than addressing the state’s domestic problems.
“All you ever say is Trump, Trump, Trump,” Hilton said, adding that the approach was an insult to Californians seeking meaningful change.
Republican Candidate Promised Tax and Regulatory Reforms
Hilton outlined several proposals during his campaign, including reducing government regulations and eliminating income tax for individuals earning less than $150,000.
He also promised to address homelessness, improve conditions on city streets and strengthen the state’s middle class.
His campaign centred on challenging established political structures and offering an alternative to the policies pursued by successive Democratic administrations.
Becerra Relied on Political Experience and Democratic Support
Becerra entered the election with extensive experience in public office, having previously served as California Attorney General and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden.
His campaign received endorsements from Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Jasmine Crockett.
He also secured backing from the California Democratic Party, labour organisations including the Teamsters and reproductive rights organisation Planned Parenthood.
Becerra presented his candidacy as a defence of progressive values, pointing to his legal challenges against conservative policies as part of his record in public service.
Candidates Clashed Over Economic Policies
The two candidates also disagreed over their proposed approaches to taxation and economic management.
During their debate, Becerra argued that Hilton’s proposals would produce what he described as “Trump results”, linking the Republican candidate’s tax plans to what he characterised as unsuccessful federal tax cuts under Trump.
The disagreement formed part of a wider campaign in which both candidates sought to convince voters that their respective approaches offered solutions to California’s economic and social challenges.
California Election Attracted National Attention
The contest to replace Newsom attracted attention beyond California, with the candidates representing contrasting political approaches.
Hilton campaigned with Trump’s support, promising substantial changes to taxation, regulation and state governance, while Becerra relied on his public service record and support from prominent Democratic figures and organisations.
Becerra’s victory, confirmed by the Associated Press with 64 per cent of the vote, brings the gubernatorial contest to a close and positions him to succeed Newsom as California’s next governor.
