Becerra and Hilton face off in California governor race as affordability and Trump dominate

Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton are competing to become the next governor of California, a race centered on the state's high cost of living and the influence of President Donald Trump. The winner will replace Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited but considering a bid for the presidency. Becerra, a Democrat, aims to maintain California as a liberal counterweight to Washington. Hilton, a Republican, positions himself as a new voice to reset the state after 15 years of Democratic rule.

The political environment in California favors the Democrats. Registered Democrats make up roughly 45% of the electorate, while Republicans account for about 25%. This demographic gap puts Hilton at a numerical disadvantage. Mail voting has been active for nearly a month, allowing residents to cast ballots early in the cycle.

Federal authorities have contested the integrity of the state's election process. The Trump administration claimed that up to 20,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in California. The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to prevent officials from counting those ballots. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the administration's request on Monday, following decisions by lower courts that supported California. State and local election officials maintain that they follow federal law and that the federal numbers are likely inflated. Experts note that noncitizen voting is rare and has not historically altered election results.

The two candidates have debated the value of political experience. Becerra, who served as state attorney general, a U.S. congressman, and health secretary, cites more than 35 years of government service. He argued at a September debate that the state needs a leader who has balanced a budget of California's size and defended the state against Trump. Hilton has never held elected office. He argues that experienced Democrats have failed to control the costs of gas, housing, and education. He described the current government as bloated and bureaucratic in his debate remarks.

The general election followed a crowded primary. Becerra was not initially viewed as a frontrunner. That changed when Eric Swalwell, a former representative and early leader, dropped out and resigned from Congress after facing sexual assault allegations. Swalwell has denied the accusations. His exit led the party establishment to support Becerra. Becerra has run a low-profile campaign, while Hilton has used high-energy advertising, including AI-generated content, to attract voters. Hilton has promised to abolish the DMV and cut gas prices to $3 a gallon.

Richard Hartman, an independent construction worker outside Sacramento, is leaning toward Hilton to restore balance to the state's political dynamic. Hartman cited concerns about homelessness and the cost of living. He compared the need for political balance to walking on two feet. Joy Torrez, a Democratic retiree in Sacramento, supports Becerra because of his background. She expressed satisfaction with his candidacy.

Both candidates share immigrant roots. Hilton was born in the United Kingdom to parents who fled communism in Hungary. He advised former Prime Minister David Cameron before moving to California in 2012. If elected, he would be the first immigrant governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011. Becerra was born in Sacramento to a mother from Mexico and a father raised in Mexico. He is targeting Latino voters with Spanish-language media. He would be the first Latino governor since the late 19th century.

Voters in California are set to decide the race on Tuesday. The outcome will determine whether the state continues under a Democratic administration or shifts to Republican leadership for the first time in 15 years. The candidates' platforms offer contrasting approaches to the state's economic challenges and its relationship with the federal government.