Democrat Becerra Defeats Republican Hilton in California Governor Race

Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Steve Hilton, his Republican opponent, in California’s gubernatorial race on Nov. 3.

Hilton, 57, a former Fox News host and political adviser, promised sweeping change and deep-reaching reforms, while Becerra, 68, defended Democratic policies in the blue state and ran a low-key campaign.

Becerra served as state attorney general in the early years of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first term. He was appointed to the position by Newsom’s predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown, to succeed Kamala Harris after she was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2017.

In March 2021, Becerra resigned to become Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary under President Joe Biden.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement, which falls under HHS direction, was responsible for the relocation of unaccompanied migrant children apprehended at the U.S.–Mexico border during the Biden-era border crisis.

“We’re continuing to hear reports suggesting the existence of trafficking schemes that are preying on these vulnerable individuals—allegations that we’re hearing of coercion, of forced labor,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) told Becerra at a Senate Finance Committee hearing in March 2024.

Becerra has denied any wrongdoing and accused Blackburn at the time of mischaracterizing the facts.

“Your misrepresentations on the authorities that we have at [the Office of Refugee Resettlement] are appalling. It is unfortunate that you wish to mischaracterize the work that we are doing, and we do everything we can with the authorities you give us to provide the care that these kids need,” Becerra said at the hearing.

Swalwell’s Departure

Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress the next day after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Although active criminal and civil investigations are underway, he hasn’t been formally charged with a crime.

The Primary

In California’s jungle primary system, only the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of political party affiliation.

At the debate, Becerra criticized Hilton for not supporting the state’s sanctuary laws which prohibit state agencies, including law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs and Enforcement officers.

Throughout his campaign, Becerra has called himself the son of poor immigrants. According to the U.S. House Historian, Becerra’s father was a U.S. citizen who was born in California and grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. His mother was born in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Hilton was born in England to Hungarian parents who fled communism. He moved to California as an adult and became a U.S. citizen.

Newsom Eyes White House

With Newsom’s final term as governor expiring in January, he has hinted about a presidential run in 2028.

When pressed on whether he had considered running for president, Newsom told CBS News more than a year ago that he would “be lying” if he said otherwise.

In July, Newsom told reporters that “fate” will determine whether he runs for president in 2028.

Newsom said he made the “mistake of being very transparent and honest,” when originally asked about a potential run.

“I really believe it’s fate,” he said.