Becerra wins governor's race; Black candidates lead in 17 California contests

Democrat Xavier Becerra secured the governor's mansion on November 3, becoming the first Latino elected to the position in California history. The Associated Press called the race for Becerra at 8 p.m., when polls closed. He defeated Republican Steve Hilton with 64.1% of the vote against Hilton's 35.9%. Becerra previously served as state attorney general and U.S. secretary of health and human services.

Black candidates are leading in 17 of the 24 state and federal races where they appeared on the ballot. The AP has declared 10 of these candidates winners as of midnight. Every Black incumbent on the ballot is currently ahead. Secretary of State Shirley Weber, California's first Black holder of that office, won re-election with 64.8% of the vote, beating Republican Don Wagner. Controller Malia Cohen also won her race, defeating Republican Herb Morgan 63.9% to 36.1%.

In the U.S. House, three Black representatives won re-election. Rep. Maxine Waters won in Congressional District 43 with 82% of the vote. Rep. Lateefah Simon won in Congressional District 12 with 80.1%. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove defeated Democrat Samantha Mota in Congressional District 37 with 65.4%. Waters told supporters in her victory speech that she intends to restore food stamps for children, fix Medicare, and pass a major housing bill.

Several other Black candidates hold leads in key districts. Rep. Adam Gray defeated former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in Congressional District 13, 61.6% to 38.4%. In the state legislature, eight Black assembly incumbents are leading. AP has already called races for Lori Wilson, Mia Bonta, Sade Elhawary, and Tina McKinnor. Jackie Elward, Rhodesia Ransom, Isaac Bryan, Corey Jackson, and LaShae Sharp-Collins also hold leads in their respective districts.

The California Legislative Black Caucus is expected to grow from 12 to 13 members if current results hold. Ayanna Davis is set to replace Mike Gipson in Assembly District 65, while Jackie Elward will add a seat in Assembly District 12. Davis is leading 81.6% to 18.4% in her race. In the state senate, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas won re-election in District 28. Tiffanie Tate trailed Republican Kelly Seyarto in District 32, a result that narrowed her previous primary deficit.

In local races, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass trails Councilmember Nithya Raman by a narrow margin of 50.16% to 49.84%. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee leads her challengers with 84.7% of the vote. County elections officials must report final results to the Secretary of State by December 4. The Secretary of State will certify the election by December 11.