Xavier Becerra Wins California Governorship
Democrat Xavier Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton in California’s governor race.
November 4, 2026 · Updated Nov 4, 1:45am ET
The New York TimesXavier Becerra Becomes California’s First Latino Elected as Governor, Defeating Steve Hilton
AxiosXavier Becerra beats Trump-backed Steve Hilton in California governor's race
Daily SignalCalifornia Stays Blue: Biden's Former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra Wins Governor's Race
Los Angeles TimesXavier Becerra makes history as California's first elected Latino governor
NBC NewsFormer Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra wins California governor’s race
New York PostDemocrat Xavier Becerra poised to win California governor’s race
The GuardianXavier Becerra wins California race for governor with vows to resist Trump’s agenda
BloombergBecerra Becomes California’s First Latino Governor in 150 Years
FOX NewsCalifornia voters decide who will succeed Newsom in consequential governor's race
PBS NewsHourDemocrat Xavier Becerra wins California governor's race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton
DeadlineCalifornia Governor Election 2026 Results
The Daily WireCalifornia Chooses Biden-Era Throwback As Next Governor
Joe.My.God.Democrat Xavier Becerra Wins CA Gubernatorial Race
VarietyXavier Becerra Declared Winner of California Governor’s Race
Breitbart NewsDemocrat Xavier Becerra wins California governorship
Epoch TimesDemocrat Becerra Defeats Republican Hilton in California Governor Race
The Gateway PunditRadical Democrat Xavier Becerra Wins California Governor Race
32%
Left · 6
26%
Center · 5
42%
Right · 8
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Updated Nov 4, 1:45am ET- Democrat Xavier Becerra
Xavier BecerraAmerican attorney and politician (born 1958) won California’s governor’s race, defeating Trump-backed Republican Steve Hilton
Steve HiltonBritish-American political advisor and television host (born 1969). - Becerra will succeed fellow Democrat Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom40th governor of California since 2019, who could not run again because of term limits, and take office in January. - He will become California’s first directly elected Latino governor and its first Latino governor since 1875.
- A former California attorney general and Biden administration
Joe Biden Administration cabinetthe government of the United States under President Joe Biden (2021–2025) health secretary, Becerra campaigned on affordability, healthcare and opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies. - Becerra will inherit high living costs, housing shortages and budget pressures while preparing for further clashes with the Trump administration.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets emphasized Becerra’s historic Latino victory and his promises to resist Trump. The New York Times highlighted California’s “first Latino elected as governor,” while The Guardian stressed his vows to resist Trump’s agenda. The Los Angeles Times paired the milestone with the housing, healthcare and affordability problems awaiting him.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets largely framed Becerra’s win as continued Democratic control under a former Biden official. Fox News emphasized Democrats’ long-running statewide dominance, and the Daily Signal declared, “California Stays Blue.” Some added sharper criticism: the New York Post called his campaign “uninspiring,” while The Daily Wire labeled him a “Biden-Era Throwback.”
