California Election: Becerra and Hilton Face Off Over Cost of Living

California voters cast their ballots on Tuesday to select the next governor, a decision that pits former Attorney General Xavier Becerra against Fox News host Steve Hilton. The outcome will determine the direction of the most populous state in the nation following the departure of Governor Gavin Newsom, who is ineligible for a third term and is weighing a presidential run.

The contest centers on the state's high cost of living and the influence of the Trump administration. Becerra, a Democrat who served as U.S. health secretary and in Congress, argues his thirty-five years of government experience make him the best choice. He aims to position himself as a counterweight to Republican federal policies. Hilton, a Republican with no prior elected office, presents himself as a new voice necessary to correct the course after fifteen years of Democratic rule.

Election officials report that mail voting has continued for nearly a month. The Trump administration attempted to disrupt the process by alleging that up to 20,000 noncitizens may be registered to vote. The Department of Justice sued the state to prevent the counting of those ballots, but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the administration's request on Monday. Lower courts had previously ruled in favor of California. State election officials maintain they follow federal law and suggest federal estimates of noncitizen registration are likely inflated.

Becerra gained momentum in the primary after former Representative Eric Swalwell dropped out and resigned from Congress following sexual assault allegations. Swalwell has denied the accusations. His exit allowed the Democratic establishment to coalesce around Becerra, who has since run a quieter campaign than his opponent. Becerra's team has emphasized Hilton's ties to President Trump, who has endorsed the Republican. A campaign website lists specific quotes where Hilton supports the president and his policies.

Hilton has focused on ambitious policy promises to energize his base. He pledged to abolish the Department of Motor Vehicles and reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon, a level not seen in the state for years. His campaign has utilized advertisements, some featuring AI-generated content, to appeal to voters who may be open to a change in leadership. An independent voter in Sacramento, Richard Hartman, said he supports Hilton to restore balance to the state's political makeup. Hartman cited concerns over homelessness and living costs as key factors in his decision.

Both candidates have emphasized their immigrant roots to connect with Californians. Hilton, born in the United Kingdom to parents who fled communism in Hungary, advised former Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California in 2012. A victory would make him the first immigrant governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011. Becerra, born in Sacramento to a Mexican mother and a father raised in Mexico, is targeting the Latino electorate with Spanish-language outreach. He would become the state's first Latino governor since the late 19th century if he wins.

The race reflects a divided electorate with Democrats comprising roughly 45% of registered voters and Republicans about 25%. Becerra has described the need to keep the California dream alive, arguing that a leader must have managed a budget of that size to defend residents against federal opposition. Hilton countered that the current system crushes the state's rebel spirit with bureaucratic oversight. Joy Torrez, a retiree in Sacramento, said she plans to vote for Becerra based on his background and policy record.

The final tally will determine whether the state maintains its current leadership style or shifts to a new approach under a Republican governor. Both campaigns have mobilized their bases in the final days before the deadline. The winner will take office in January 2027, succeeding Newsom in Sacramento.