Xavier Becerra, a Democratic candidate of Mexican descent, has won the governor’s race in California with 64% of the votes, defeating Republican Steve Hilton. The result marks a historic milestone as Becerra becomes the first Latino to hold the office in over 150 years. His victory extends the Democratic Party’s winning streak in the state’s gubernatorial elections to 16 years.
Becerra, who previously served in the U.S. Congress and in President Joe Biden’s administration, secured a decisive margin of 28 percentage points over his Republican opponent. The election, held amid a broader national shift toward Democratic control, reflects growing support for candidates with diverse backgrounds. Becerra’s win is seen as part of a larger trend of Latino political influence in the United States.
This achievement follows a wave of Democratic victories across the country, including the election of other Latino officials. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s president, publicly celebrated Becerra’s win, highlighting his status as a leader of Mexican heritage. Becerra’s campaign emphasized his commitment to public service and his belief in making a tangible difference for Californians.
Becerra’s election underscores the increasing political power of Latino communities in the U.S. And signals a new era for governance in California. His victory also aligns with a national trend where candidates from underrepresented groups are gaining prominence in political leadership roles.
