Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton will face off in California governor’s race
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The California governor race will be between Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and Biden health secretary, and Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator endorsed by Donald Trump.
- Hilton aims to break two decades of Democratic control by appealing to voter frustration, while Becerra emphasizes defending California’s liberal policies and resisting Trump-era federal actions.
- California faces critical issues including high living costs, housing shortages, and homelessness, which both candidates address with differing policy proposals.
- The primary election was closely contested, with Hilton narrowly securing the second spot over Democrat Tom Steyer, who conceded and endorsed Becerra to prevent a Republican win.
- Both candidates share immigrant backgrounds, with Becerra poised to become California’s first Latino governor since the 1800s if elected.