Democrat Xavier Becerra will be California’s next governor.
Becerra, a lawyer and the former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, received 55.1% of the vote in the midterm elections as of 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, the Associated Press announced. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was first elected in 2018, has reached his term limit and was ineligible to run.
Republican Steve Hilton, a political commentator, received 44.9% of the vote, according to AP.
Becerra and Hilton proceeded to the general election after receiving the most votes in the June 2 top-two primary election, which included 61 candidates. Voting in the midterm election – including at multiple locations on UCLA’s campus and in Westwood – closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
[Related: Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton progress to general election for California governor]
The governor manages California’s budget of about $350 billion and works with the state legislature to pass laws. The governor also appoints some members of the UC Board of Regents and sits ex officio on the board.
Becerra’s platform centered on expanding support for healthcare and childcare, according to his campaign website. He also campaigned on ensuring California is prepared to recover from natural disasters, regulating AI and ensuring the film and television industry remains in California, according to the website.
Becerra’s endorsements included the California Teachers Association, former Vice President Kamala Harris and the California College Democrats, according to his campaign website.
His campaign received more than $35 million in campaign contributions as of Oct. 17. The gubernatorial primary election was the most expensive governor’s race in U.S. history, according to The New York Times.
Becerra’s campaign did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the results.
Hilton’s campaign policies included cutting state spending, reducing healthcare costs and abolishing the Department of Motor Vehicles, according to his campaign website. His platform also centered on reducing regulations on small businesses.
Hilton was endorsed by President Donald Trump, the Nisei Farmers League and the Israeli-American Civic Action Network. His campaign received $27 million in campaign contributions as of Oct. 17.
Hilton’s campaign did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the results.
