Becerra and Hilton Clash Over California's Cost of Living Ahead of Tuesday's Vote
Voters in the nation's most populous state will choose between a former U.S. Health Secretary and a former UK political adviser in a race defined by affordability and experience.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton compete for the governorship of California on Tuesday, marking the end of 15 years of continuous Democratic leadership. The election pits the former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary against a former Fox News host and British political adviser. Both candidates argue that their distinct backgrounds offer the best path forward for the state.
The campaign has centered on the high cost of living in California. Becerra, who has served in politics for more than 35 years, argues that the state needs a seasoned leader to maintain its liberal policies. He stated during a September debate that the state cannot be led by someone who has never balanced a budget of California's size. He emphasized his experience as a key asset in defending the state's interests against the current federal administration.
Steve Hilton, who has never held elected office, presents his lack of experience as a strength. He argues that the long tenure of Democratic leaders has left Californians struggling with the price of gas, housing, and education. Hilton described the current government as bloated and bureaucratic. He pledged to reduce the price of gasoline to $3 per gallon and to abolish the Department of Motor Vehicles if elected.
The race is influenced by the political divide in the state. Democrats account for roughly 45% of registered voters, while Republicans make up about 25%. Becerra’s campaign has sought to link Hilton to President Donald Trump, who has endorsed the Republican. The campaign launched a website featuring quotes from Hilton that support Trump and his policies. Conversely, Hilton has run advertisements, some using AI-generated content, to appeal to voters who typically support Democrats.
The election follows a chaotic primary season. Becerra was not a top contender initially but rose to the front of the Democratic field after former Representative Eric Swalwell dropped out. Swalwell resigned from Congress following allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied. Becerra subsequently ran a low-profile general election campaign, holding fewer public events than his opponent. He focused on appealing to Latino voters, a group that has supported his bid for the governor's office.
Both candidates share immigrant roots, a common thread in their personal narratives. Hilton was born in the United Kingdom to parents who fled communism in Hungary. He moved to California in 2012 after advising former Prime Minister David Cameron. Becerra was born in Sacramento to a mother from Mexico and a father who was raised in Mexico. If elected, Becerra would become the state's first Latino governor since the late 19th century. Hilton would be the first immigrant to serve as governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.
Voting has been underway for nearly a month via mail ballots. The Trump administration has attempted to challenge the election process by alleging that up to 20,000 noncitizens may be registered to vote. The Department of Justice sued to stop the counting of ballots cast by those individuals. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the administration's demand on Monday, following decisions from several lower courts that supported California. Election officials noted that the federal numbers are likely inflated and that noncitizen voting is rare.
