Politics

US Midterms: California Governor's Race

Is Becerra the experienced champion California needs or is Hilton the common-sense change the state desperately wants?

Published 1 hour ago

Context

Above: The California State Capitol building in Sacramento on Jan. 13, 2021. Image credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Democratic narrative

Becerra has spent his career fighting for working Californians. As attorney general, he sued the first Trump administration over 100 times, defending immigrants, clean air and workers' rights. As HHS secretary, he expanded health coverage to 24 million Americans and pushed back on drug companies over prescription costs. He's a workhorse who's disciplined, experienced and focused on governing rather than grandstanding. Raised by immigrant parents in Sacramento, Becerra lived the California dream he now fights to protect for everyone else.

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Republican narrative

Hilton offers California a real alternative to nearly sixteen years of one-party rule. He's built the state's largest grassroots donor base by promising to cut the nation's highest taxes, lower gas and electric bills and end Sacramento's regulatory dysfunction. Unlike career politician Becerra, Hilton has no ties to the failed status quo on housing, homelessness and crime. With Trump's endorsement and a wave of everyday voters who are sick of one-party rule, Hilton represents the practical, common-sense change California desperately needs.