As the search for California’s next governor intensifies, Democrat Xavier Becerra has emerged as a prominent contender following the tumultuous primary elections. Projections from The Associated Press indicate that Becerra will move forward alongside Republican Steve Hilton to face each other in the general election on November 3.
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Becerra, a seasoned political figure with a rich history in public service, captured approximately 29.9% of the vote, a notable achievement considering the significant disarray within the Democratic Party during the primaries. Hilton, once overshadowed, managed to secure 25% of the vote, making the race for the governorship even more competitive.
California’s primary system allows the top two candidates, irrespective of party affiliation, to proceed to the general election. This year’s primaries were marked by internal conflicts among Democrats and a series of scandals, which at one point saw two Republican candidates leading the race. This situation raised concerns within the primarily Democratic electorate, with fears that the state could feature no Democratic representative on the final ballot.
Xavier Becerra, who has long been viewed as a strong candidate, only gained significant traction in the weeks leading up to the primary. Now positioned as the sole Democratic candidate for the general election, he stands poised to succeed Gavin Newsom, marking a pivotal moment in a state that has not elected a Republican to a statewide office since 2006.
Becerra, aged 68, boasts a rich background that includes a term in the California State Assembly and a lengthy tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he held notable leadership roles. He succeeded Kamala Harris as California’s attorney general in 2016, during which time he led the state in numerous legal challenges against the Trump administration. In 2021, he was appointed to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he played a key role in the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the introduction of the federal suicide prevention hotline.
As he looks to his potential governorship, Becerra’s platform includes ambitious proposals such as implementing “Medicare for All,” advancing renewable energy initiatives, expediting processes for affordable housing projects, and countering federal attacks from former President Trump.
On the other end of the spectrum stands Steve Hilton, the Republican challenger. Hilton, a British-American political commentator and former advisor to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, has steadily built a campaign focused on conservative principles. Known for his previous role as the host of “The Next Revolution” on Fox News, Hilton enters this gubernatorial race with backing from significant Republican figures, including Donald Trump.
His campaign pledges encompass transforming California into a leading hub for cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, repealing state income tax for earnings up to £100,000, and supporting family-oriented policies. Additionally, he has advocated for specific changes in the realm of sports legislation concerning transgender athletes, as well as attempts to relax environmental regulations that he argues contribute to the state’s high living costs.
The road ahead appears particularly challenging for Hilton, given California’s history of solidly supporting Democratic candidates in statewide races. Since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election in 2006, the state has seen a consistent trend away from Republican successes, making it a significant hurdle for Hilton to overcome in the upcoming general election.
The Democratic primary was strained from the outset, especially with the high-profile speculation surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris potentially entering the race. Many Democrats anticipated her candidacy, with some willing to withdraw their names should she choose to run. However, when Harris announced in July 2025 that she would not be pursuing the governorship, the avenue was left open for other politicians and public figures to step in.
As several candidates rose and fell through the ranks, the race witnessed competitive dynamics and unexpected controversies. Notably, former Representative Katie Porter began as a leading candidate but faced a series of setbacks, leading to a decline in her support. Her campaign found itself embroiled in scandals, including viral moments that negatively impacted her standing with voters.
The entry of other contenders, such as Eric Swalwell and billionaire Tom Steyer, added to the chaos. However, Swalwell’s campaign was swiftly derailed after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, resulting in his withdrawal from the race and subsequent resignation from Congress. This left Becerra as the stable Democratic choice amidst a turbulent field of competitors seeking to claim the governor’s mansion.
Come November, Californian voters will decide between the seasoned political leadership of Xavier Becerra and the fresh, albeit controversial, approach of Steve Hilton. As the election day approaches, the narratives surrounding each candidate could shift dramatically, paving the way for a continually evolving political landscape in the Golden State.