Democrat Xavier Becerra elected governor of California, defeating Republican Steve Hilton

In California, Democrat Xavier Becerra was elected governor on Tuesday, defeating Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra, a former U.S. health secretary and state attorney general, will succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. He campaigned on fighting the Trump administration and addressing housing and healthcare costs. Hilton, a former Fox News host and Trump-backed candidate, had argued that experienced Democrats had failed Californians. The race was shaped by the high cost of living and political experience. Becerra's victory continues the Democratic hold on the state's highest office, which Republicans have not won since 2006.