Xavier Becerra Champions Progressive Values Against Right-Wing Steve Hilton in California Governor Race
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Democrat Xavier Becerra, a defender of working people and immigrant communities, will face off against Trump-endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, in the California gubernatorial election. The race centers on urgent issues like housing justice and the spiraling cost of living.
Former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, a tireless advocate for social justice and equity, will confront Republican Steve Hilton, a right-wing former Fox News commentator, in November’s election to determine California’s next governor after Gavin Newsom’s term ends. Both candidates have acknowledged the state’s housing crisis, unaffordable living costs, and rampant homelessness, but their approaches could not be more different.
Hilton, who owes his political rise to the backing of Donald Trump and the reactionary forces that have long sought to undermine California’s progressive achievements, is framing his campaign as a revolt against two decades of Democratic leadership. He invokes the memory of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the last Republican governor, as if a return to conservative rule would solve the state’s deep-seated inequalities. Hilton declared, "If you’re happy with the way that California is being run, Xavier Becerra is your guy. If you want change, vote for me."
Becerra, who has fought tirelessly as California’s attorney general and as health secretary under President Joe Biden, is committed to defending the state from federal overreach and right-wing attacks on progressive policies. Rallying supporters, he stated, "Donald Trump is doubling down on decline and counting on people being too fearful, distracted or gullible to fight back. As governor I will never back down from the threats of small cowards in big offices."
The primary results, confirmed after a week of counting mail-in ballots—a testament to California’s commitment to voter participation—saw Democrat Tom Steyer, who invested heavily in his campaign, concede and urge unity behind Becerra. Steyer warned, "It would be a travesty for Steve Hilton to win the governorship, and Californians must unite behind Xavier Becerra to ensure he does not."
The candidates’ policy proposals reflect their values: Hilton’s plan to slash taxes for the wealthy and freeze public college tuition offers little for working families, while Becerra’s emergency declarations on energy, housing, and insurance rates are aimed at protecting the most vulnerable. Both candidates are children of immigrants, but Becerra, born in Sacramento to Mexican parents, stands poised to become California’s first Latino governor since the 19th century—a historic milestone for representation and justice.