Xavier Becerra Emerges as California Governor Front-Runner, Eyeing First Latino Win Since 1875
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 14
Xavier Becerra Emerges as California Governor Front-Runner, Eyeing First Latino Win Since 1875
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 14
Summary
Poll gains this spring have made Xavier Becerra the clear favorite to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom and defeat Republican Steve Hilton in heavily Democratic California.
Becerra, 68, has framed his bid less around identity than experience, leaning on a résumé that runs from Congress to California attorney general to U.S. health secretary.
A victory would make him California’s first Latino governor since 1875, a milestone many Latino leaders see as a repudiation of the anti-immigrant politics that shaped the Pete Wilson era 32 years ago.
That symbolism also brings pressure: allies say Becerra’s campaign has been light on policy specifics even as Latino residents still face high poverty and low education levels.