California Governor: Becerra Defeats Hilton in Statewide Ballot

Xavier Becerra has been declared the winner of the California governor's race. He defeated Republican Steve Hilton in the November election.

Becerra positioned his campaign around opposition to President Trump and the goal of lowering energy costs. He also pledged to move toward universal health care. During the campaign, he emphasized his record as attorney general, noting that he sued the president more than 100 times during the previous administration.

His path to victory was set in the June primary, where he finished as the top vote-getter. He emerged from a crowded field only after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race and resigned from Congress due to sexual misconduct allegations. His closest Democratic rival was hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer, who had support from IATSE and various progressive groups.

Becerra now faces an immediate decision regarding California's film and television industry. Governor Gavin Newsom proposed on Monday to increase the state's production tax credit from $750 million to $1 billion. The plan would cover above-the-line costs and extend the program's sunset date to 2040. Because Newsom leaves office in two months, the final decision rests with Becerra.

Industry leaders are pushing for an unlimited tax incentive that would operate as an entitlement without requiring discretionary approval from the state film commission. An Assembly special committee reviewed that concept at a hearing last week. Panel chair Rick Chavez Zbur described the unlimited incentive idea as a "heavy lift" following the session.

Becerra has not taken a firm stance on Newsom's specific proposal. He told Variety last month that the state must fight to keep the industry in Southern California, citing Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Disneyland as key tourist draws. He said he intends to sit down with legislators to review proposals, adding, "But we're going to fight."

Becerra's campaign did not respond to a Monday request for comment on the new tax credit numbers. His website hosts a film policy document that contains no explicit commitments and was rated by Pangram as 100% AI-generated.