Xavier Becerra wins California governor’s race, defeating Steve Hilton

Democrat Xavier Becerra has made history after defeating Republican Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial race, becoming the state’s first elected Latino governor. Becerra secured approximately two-thirds of the vote to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, who is stepping down due to term limits. In his Sacramento victory speech, the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary declared the start of the "Becerra era," promising to double home building, curb corporate buyouts of housing, freeze utility and insurance rates, and expand green energy initiatives. Hilton conceded defeat in Garden Grove, thanking his supporters while pledging that his push for conservative change in California would continue.