Equality California Congratulates Governor-Elect Xavier Becerra on Election Victory

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, congratulates Secretary Xavier Becerra on his victory in California's gubernatorial election. Becerra defeated Republican opponent Steve Hilton to become the state's 41st Governor and will assume the state's top executive office from incumbent Gavin Newsom, who terms out of the position after serving since 2019.

"California is officially entering our 'Becerra Era,'" said Executive Director Tony Hoang. "As Donald Trump continues to target California and undermine LGBTQ+ rights, Xavier Becerra is ready to fight back, defend our communities, and ensure California remains a national leader in the fight for equality."

"Secretary Becerra stood with LGBTQ+ people long before it was politically popular. He was one of only a handful of congressmembers to vote against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. As California's Attorney General, he stood with Equality California and challenged the first Trump administration's discriminatory attacks targeting our community while protecting access to healthcare and reproductive freedom. As Health and Human Services Secretary, he defended healthcare access for millions of Americans and strengthened LGBTQ+ protections in the Affordable Care Act to ensure that all those who needed care could receive it.

The election of Secretary Becerra and a wave of pro-equality wins across the country show that voters want leaders who will affordability, healthcare access, wages - not those who use harmful rhetoric and scapegoating. California needs a governor who has stood up for the rights of our community and other minority communities, and who has proven they are not afraid of a fight to expand and defend our rights - we now have that Governor in Xavier Becerra. Equality California looks forward to working with him and his team as he assumes office."

Equality California endorsed Becerra in 2026 ahead of the June Primary Election. The organization has also previously honored Becerra at its San Francisco Equality Awards, presenting him with the Ally Leadership Award in 2024 during the organization's 25th anniversary celebration.

###