Xavier Becerra, Progressive Insider, Advances in California Governor Race
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Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and former state attorney general, has moved forward in California’s gubernatorial race, positioning himself as an establishment candidate amid a crowded field, including conservative challenger Steve Hilton.
Xavier Becerra has advanced to the general election in the race for California governor, touting his lengthy career in government bureaucracy, including stints as state attorney general and U.S. health secretary under the Biden administration. In a recent statement, Becerra thanked his supporters, saying, "The people of the great state of California, in the greatest nation on earth, have spoken — loudly and proudly. We are never backing down. November, here we come."
Becerra’s opponent in the general election is yet to be determined, but he faces serious competition from Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator who has earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump, as well as Democrat Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist. Becerra’s campaign has gained traction, particularly after Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race due to sexual assault allegations, allowing Becerra to consolidate support from the Democratic establishment, labor unions, and Latino political operatives.
Becerra has made it clear he will continue his aggressive opposition to Trump-era policies, having filed over 120 lawsuits on issues like immigration and climate change, often prioritizing left-wing agendas over practical governance. With President Trump recently raising concerns about election integrity in California, the state has become a focal point for national debates about voter fraud and election security.
Becerra has faced justified criticism from opponents for his mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and his handling of unaccompanied migrant children, raising questions about his leadership. If elected, he plans to impose sweeping emergency declarations on energy and housing, including freezing home insurance rates, which critics argue could further destabilize the state’s economy. If successful, Becerra would become the first Latino governor of California since the 1800s, taking over from the term-limited Gavin Newsom and continuing the state’s leftward drift.