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Archived story · published November 4, 2026. Coverage reflects reporting at the time. See today's brief

Politics · November 4, 2026

Xavier Becerra makes history as California's first elected Latino governor

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Democrat Xavier Becerra has won the California gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Steve Hilton to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. A veteran politician who served as a congressman, California’s attorney general, and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Biden administration, Becerra will become the first directly elected Latino governor in California's history. Major news outlets projected his victory shortly after polls closed, noting that Becerra campaigned on a platform of defending California against President Donald Trump’s policies and addressing the state's cost-of-living and housing crises. The win maintains Democratic control of the nation's most populous state as it enters the second half of President Trump's second term.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Xavier Becerra won the California governor's race.
  • Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton.
  • Becerra will succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.
  • Becerra served as Health and Human Services secretary under the Biden administration.
  • Becerra previously served as California's attorney general.
  • Becerra is the first directly elected Latino governor of California.
  • The race took place during President Donald Trump's second term.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Becerra and Hilton emerged as the top-two vote-getters from a June primary.
  • Becerra spent 24 years in Congress representing Los Angeles.
  • Becerra become a top candidate after Eric Swalwell exited the race in April following sexual misconduct allegations.
  • Tom Steyer finished with approximately 23% in the primary.
  • Early numbers showed Becerra leading Hilton 59.8% to 40.2%.
  • California has not elected a Republican governor since 2006.
  • Becerra grew up in a 685-square-foot house in Sacramento.

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