Democrat Xavier Becerra has won the California gubernatorial race, defeating former Fox News host Steve Hilton. The Associated Press called the race for Becerra, who secured 64 percent of the vote.
The election concluded a contentious campaign that highlighted California's high cost of living, persistent homelessness crisis, and public safety concerns.
Hilton, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, ran as a political outsider. He pitched himself as a disruptor to the state's long-standing single-party Democratic rule. During their sole debate, Hilton accused his opponent of avoiding key issues and focusing solely on Trump. Hilton promised to reduce regulations, eliminate income tax for those earning under $150,000, address homelessness, and revitalize the middle class.
Becerra, the former California Attorney General and Biden Health Secretary, ran with support from Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Representative Jasmine Crockett. He emphasized his extensive public service record and framed the election as a defense of progressive values. Becerra highlighted his past legal challenges against conservative policies and secured backing from the California Democratic Party, labor unions, and Planned Parenthood. He argued that Hilton's policies would lead to "Trump results."
The race attracted national attention as a key indicator of America's political landscape, pitting Hilton's populist appeal against Becerra's established Democratic platform.