Becerra defeats Hilton after suing Trump 100 times

Xavier Becerra has been declared the winner of the California governor's race, defeating Republican Steve Hilton in a decisive victory. The Democrat secured the top spot in the June primary, which provided a clear path to the general election win.

Becerra's campaign centered on opposition to President Trump, with the candidate noting he sued the president more than 100 times while serving as attorney general during Trump's first term. He also campaigned on lowering energy costs and moving toward universal health care.

The incoming governor now faces an immediate decision on the state's film industry support. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a proposal on Monday to increase the 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.

Newsom leaves office in two months, meaning the responsibility for the incentive falls to Becerra. Many Hollywood figures advocate for an unlimited tax incentive that would operate as an entitlement without discretionary approval from the state film commission.

An Assembly special committee heard arguments for the unlimited incentive last week. Panel chair Rick Chavez Zbur described the idea as a "heavy lift" following the hearing. Becerra has not taken a firm position on the specific proposal, stating only that he intends to work on strengthening the credit.

"I'll sit down with all the legislators to see what kind of proposals are put before us," Becerra said. "But we're going to fight." His campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Newsom's Monday announcement.

Becerra previously served in Congress and as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration. He became the frontrunner in the spring primary after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual misconduct allegations. His strongest rival in the Democratic primary was hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer, who ran with the backing of IATSE and progressive groups.