California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra stated that "everything should be on the table" to address the state's affordability issues during his first public remarks since election night. However, he became defensive when questioned about specific policy proposals.
"I'm no longer a candidate; I'm now the governor-elect. So I will take this very seriously," Becerra said. "But, guys, don’t play this game about asking me to commit, because I didn’t get elected doing that."
Becerra, a Democrat, defeated Republican Steve Hilton to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, extending Democratic control of the governor's office. His campaign focused on California's high costs.
Speaking alongside Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, Becerra pledged a close working relationship with legislative leaders and indicated that details about his transition team would be forthcoming. The three Democrats emphasized affordability, though Becerra provided few concrete plans for relief in housing, healthcare, and energy.
"The public made it very clear we should be focused on job one, two, and three, and that is cost of living, cost of living, cost of living," Becerra stated.
When asked if tax cuts could be part of the solution, Becerra indicated openness but also suggested that high earners might face higher tax rates. "I think everything should be on the table," he said. "By the way, you’re probably going to be hearing me say that a lot, whether it’s on energy, whether it’s on revenue and tax policy, whether it’s on healthcare, why should we take anything off the table?"
Becerra's demeanor shifted to defensiveness when pressed about making healthcare coverage more affordable. "You want me to make a commitment to families without knowing what the budget will be, without knowing where the votes are, and that’s just playing politics the wrong way," he argued.
He cited his record of expanding healthcare access and lowering costs, asserting his intention to continue that work as governor. "A lot of other folks make these wild promises, and they’re not the governor-elect," Becerra commented.
Regarding taxes, Becerra expressed a desire to ensure everyone pays their "fair share," referencing the state Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office for expertise. He mentioned that Proposition 40, a billionaire tax measure he and Newsom opposed, highlighted concerns about unequal taxation.
"If you’re paying at a tax rate in California that’s lower than the tax rate of a teacher, a firefighter, a nurse, a police officer, and you’re making way more money than they are, in my book, you’re not paying your fair share," Becerra said.
Rivas cautioned that the election results should not be interpreted as an unqualified endorsement of Democratic leadership. "Our mandate is to do things differently," Rivas said. "People want change."
Becerra congratulated Nithya Raman on her victory in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Responding in Spanish to questions about affordability and immigrant protections, he acknowledged California's limitations in overriding federal law. When asked about appointing a finance director, he made a lighthearted remark about finding someone who could "pull money off of trees," before stating the need for an experienced individual adept at managing California's large budget.
He concluded by emphasizing his commitment to practical governance over political posturing. "I ran on my record of what I’ve done, and I have expanded access to healthcare. I have lowered healthcare costs, and that’s what I intend to do again," Becerra stated. "But I can’t make a commitment without knowing what exactly I face, because I don’t think any voter, any taxpayer, any Californian wants to have a governor who’s still acting like a politician."