Xavier Becerra wins California governor race

SACRAMENTO, California — Xavier Becerra will succeed Gavin Newsom as the next governor of California after emerging from a chaotic primary and then cruising past Republican rival Steve Hilton, according to The Associated Press.

The former Biden health secretary will immediately confront a thorny set of problems that include an affordability crisis, long-term budget deficits, deep federal health care cuts, and a hostile Trump administration that has repeatedly targeted California.

At a moment when populist fervor is sweeping the country, Becerra won as an establishment Democrat, presenting himself to voters as a steady leader who could address some of California's most pressing problems — above all the state's soaring cost of living — while defending it against President Donald Trump. He largely eschewed grandiose policy promises and touted a record that includes stints as a member of Congress, state attorney general, and President Joe Biden's Cabinet.

While his victory over Hilton was all but inevitable in deeply Democratic California, it marked a historic moment as a son of Mexican immigrants became the first Latino governor in California's modern history.

A growing Latino electorate has transformed California politics over the course of Becerra's lifetime, helping to turn the state into a Democratic stronghold and giving rise to a generation of Latino political figures — including Sen. Alex Padilla and both Democratic leaders in the state Legislature.

Despite his long history in public service, Becerra is viewed by much of the California political establishment as something of a mystery. He ascended only after better-known Democratic contenders passed on running or, in the case of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, dropped out amid sexual assault allegations, which he has denied.

He has shared few concrete details about his agenda, but has offered some clues. He has pledged to take on wildfire liability after Newsom failed to push a deal through this year and said he would ensure Californians retain their health insurance in the face of federal cutbacks.