Conservative Steve Hilton Challenges Establishment Democrat Xavier Becerra for California Governor
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Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator endorsed by President Trump, will take on entrenched Democrat Xavier Becerra in the California governor’s race. Voters will decide between Hilton’s bold reforms and Becerra’s continuation of failed progressive policies amid a crisis of affordability and homelessness.
Former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, a career Democrat and loyalist to the Biden administration, will face Republican Steve Hilton, a principled conservative and former Fox News commentator, in November’s election to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. Both candidates have identified California’s soaring cost of living, housing shortages, and homelessness as urgent issues, but their solutions diverge sharply.
Hilton, who proudly carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump, is offering Californians a real alternative to the one-party rule that has dominated the state for two decades. He points to the disastrous results of Democratic control—skyrocketing housing costs, rampant homelessness, and a mass exodus of residents—and calls for a return to common-sense governance. Hilton stated, "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 served as California’s attorney general and as health secretary under President Joe Biden, is doubling down on the same failed policies that have driven the state into decline. He has made a name for himself by waging legal battles against the federal government and resisting any attempt at reform. Speaking to his supporters, Becerra said, "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."
After a week-long process of counting mail-in ballots—a system that has raised concerns about transparency—Democrat Tom Steyer, despite spending millions, conceded and urged his supporters to back 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."
Hilton’s policy proposals are bold and practical: eliminating state income tax on the first $100,000 of earnings, launching a loan program for first-time homebuyers, and freezing public college tuition. In contrast, Becerra’s approach relies on government intervention and emergency declarations, offering little hope for real change. Both candidates are children of immigrants—Hilton, who became a U.S. citizen in 2021 after moving from the UK, and Becerra, born in Sacramento to Mexican parents. If elected, Becerra would be the first Latino governor since the 19th century, but voters must decide whether identity politics or effective leadership matters most.