After defeat of Republican Steve Hilton, democrat xavier becerra wins california governor race, CBS News projects
Becerra Wins After Crowded Race
The gubernatorial contest began with a large field and no apparent front-runner. Becerra and Hilton emerged from the June primary as the top two candidates, with about 28% and 25% of the vote, respectively; Tom Steyer finished with about 23%.
Becerra spent 24 years in Congress representing Los Angeles and chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He became a leading candidate after former Bay Area Rep. Eric Swalwell left the race in April amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations, which Swalwell has denied.
Different Plans on Costs
Both candidates made California’s high living costs a central campaign issue, but proposed different approaches to housing and gas prices. Hilton blamed the state’s climate policies and regulations for high gas prices.
Homelessness and Immigration Disputes
The candidates also differed on immigration. Becerra said he would uphold a law he had defended against the federal government while serving as California attorney general; the account does not identify the law.
Hilton blamed Democrats for California’s homelessness crisis. He proposed eliminating the state’s encampments by the end of 2027 and creating a statewide network of Homeless Recovery Centers.
Key points
- CBS News projects Democrat Xavier Becerra will become California’s next governor.
- Becerra received about 28% of the June primary vote; Hilton received about 25%.
- The campaign focused on living costs, housing, energy policy and federal relations.
- Hilton proposed ending encampments by the end of 2027 and establishing Homeless Recovery Centers.