SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democrat Xavier Becerra is asking California voters to put his experience in Congress, state government and the Biden administration to work in the governor’s office, promising action on housing costs and health care as he faces Republican Steve Hilton in the November 3 election.
The former California attorney general and U.S. health secretary is seeking to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek another consecutive term. Becerra and Hilton advanced from California’s June primary, setting up a contest between a longtime Democratic officeholder and a former Fox News host and adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Becerra’s central argument is that his government experience prepares him to manage the country’s most populous state.
“The governor’s office doesn’t come with training wheels,” Becerra told ABC7 in an October interview. “You need someone who knows how to do this stuff.”
Becerra represented Los Angeles in Congress for more than two decades before becoming California attorney general in 2017. He later served as President Joe Biden’s secretary of Health and Human Services, a tenure that included the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and criticism over the department’s protection of migrant children in its custody.
His campaign now centers on the household expenses that shape daily life across California.
According to KQED’s election guide, Becerra wants to challenge unjustified price increases, provide two free hours of electricity daily to low-income families and direct resources toward helping financially vulnerable residents remain housed. He also has pledged to protect Medi-Cal and supports eventually establishing a state single-payer health care system. Those positions are campaign proposals, rather than enacted policies.
Housing construction would be an early priority. In his ABC7 interview, Becerra proposed setting a deadline for homebuilding permits and expanding down-payment assistance. He did not specify the permitting deadline.
Questions also remain about how he would pay for his agenda.
ABC7 reported that Becerra offered limited details about potential tax changes. He said he would examine programs’ health outcomes and pursue additional revenue from those he believes are not paying their fair share, but did not identify specific programs he would eliminate or a detailed alternative tax plan.
His relationship with Washington presents another major distinction between the candidates.
Becerra points to his record challenging the first Trump administration as California attorney general. Hilton, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, argues that cooperation with the federal administration would better serve the state.
Hilton also proposes reducing taxes, spending and regulations, including eliminating state income taxes for individuals and families earning less than $150,000 annually. Becerra’s approach places greater emphasis on government intervention to contain household costs and preserve services.
For Coachella Valley voters, the candidates’ proposals raise practical questions about housing availability, summer electricity bills and access to health care. The governor’s authority over budgets, legislation and state agencies gives the election consequences well beyond Sacramento, although major changes would also depend on legislative approval and available funding.