California voters pick next governor amid cost and experience debates

California voters cast ballots Tuesday to choose the successor to Governor Gavin Newsom. The contest pitted Democrat Xavier Becerra against Republican Steve Hilton. The election centers on whether Californians want continued liberal governance or a shift after fifteen years of Democratic control.

Becerra, who served as U.S. Attorney General and health secretary, argues his experience is essential for managing the state. He emphasized his more than 35 years in public service. In a September debate, he stated that the state needs a leader who has defended citizens against federal overreach. He questioned whether a candidate without prior office can balance California's large budget.

Hilton, a former political adviser in the United Kingdom and Fox News host, campaigns as a new voice. He argues that experienced Democrats have failed to lower the cost of housing, gas, and education. Hilton described the current state government as a bloated bureaucratic system. He promised to abolish the Department of Motor Vehicles and reduce gas prices to three dollars a gallon.

The race featured stark differences in registered voters. Democrats made up roughly 45 percent of the electorate, while Republicans held 25 percent. Becerra's team linked Hilton to President Donald Trump, who endorsed the Republican. The campaign launched a website featuring quotes of Hilton supporting the president. Hilton responded with high-profile advertisements, some using AI-generated content, to promote a new approach.

Former Representative Eric Swalwell had been a front-runner but withdrew after allegations of sexual assault, which he denied. His resignation from Congress allowed Becerra to become the leading Democratic candidate. The Trump administration also challenged the vote, alleging up to 20,000 noncitizens were registered. The Department of Justice sued to stop the counting of those ballots. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected that demand on Monday. Election officials said the numbers are likely inflated and that noncitizen voting is rare.

Both candidates have immigrant backgrounds. Hilton was born in the United Kingdom to parents who fled Hungary. A win would make him the first immigrant governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger. Becerra was born in Sacramento to a mother from Mexico and a father raised in Mexico. He would be the state's first Latino governor since the late 19th century.

Voters cited different reasons for their choices. Richard Hartman, an independent construction worker, supported Hilton to bring balance to state politics and address homelessness. Joy Torrez, a Democratic retiree, supported Becerra due to his background and his recent communication with voters in Spanish.