Steve Hilton conceded California’s governor’s race to Democrat Xavier Becerra on Tuesday night, telling supporters in Garden Grove that Republicans would retake the governorship in 2030.
“[In] 2030, we elect a Republican governor in California,” Hilton said. “But here’s my message to Xavier Becerra: enjoy it while it lasts.”
As of Wednesday morning, Becerra led Hilton 64% to 36% with 59% of the vote counted, after the Associated Press called the race for Becerra Tuesday night.
The result was part of a broader Democratic sweep. Democrats won every statewide office in California and picked up several competitive House seats in the state. Nationally, Democrats took back control of both the House and the Senate.
Becerra, a former Biden administration official, held a substantial polling advantage over Hilton for much of the campaign. No Republican has won a California governor’s race since 2006.
Despite the loss, Hilton offered a conciliatory note toward his opponent.
“We have a new governor in California,” he said. “I know it’s not the one you wished for, but I do wish Xavier Becerra well. We want our state to be governed properly.”
Becerra, who will become California’s first Latino governor in roughly 150 years, emerged from a crowded Democratic primary field to defeat Hilton. In his victory speech, he reflected on the stakes of the campaign.
“What a great night to be a Californian. What a great night to be an American. To be the son of immigrants from a union household to be standing in victory with all of you. Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. These past two years have been tough: higher prices, more wars, corruption and lawlessness. But we hung in there; fought back. It felt like Mission: Impossible. We knew it was mission necessary.”
Becerra will succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has been weighing a presidential run, when Newsom leaves office in January.
