Becerra Vows to Defend California and Deliver for Working Families, With the Experience to Lead on Day One

BONUS ROUND: HiltonFacts.com Exposes the Truth About Steve Hilton’s Cozy Relationship with Donald Trump

Teachers, workers, community leaders praise Becerra’s experience, record of results and commitment to working families following tonight’s debate

LOS ANGELES, CA — Xavier Becerra closed tonight’s gubernatorial debate with a clear message to California voters: the state’s challenges are real, but solutions and progress are within reach. Meeting this moment will require a governor with the experience and vision to deliver results on day one.

During the hourlong debate on CNN, the campaign rolled out a new website documenting all of Steve Hilton’s precious moments with Donald Trump. From gushing about receiving Trump’s endorsement to praising deadly ICE raids as carried out “to perfection” – voters will finally have a place to learn what Steve Hilton really thinks about Trump’s $1 trillion health care cuts, illegal war in Iran, tariffs, and more!

“Tonight’s debate made clear what’s at stake in this election and the kind of serious, experienced leadership California needs to move forward,” said Jonathan Underland, spokesperson for the Becerra Campaign. “Donald Trump is attacking California, and he’s endorsed Steve Hilton to help him do it. Becerra has proven that he will hold Trump’s feet to the fire, and win – that’s the kind of governor California deserves.”

Becerra delivered a vision for the state – to make sure working families can afford to build their lives in California and reach for their dreams: owning a home, sending their kids to college, and getting the health care they need.

Steve Hilton made it clear that he is focused on bringing Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda to California in the form of ICE raids, attacks on voters’ rights, tax breaks for billionaires paid for by health care cuts, and a higher cost of living. Becerra is focused on delivering results for families, protecting California’s values and building a stronger future for the state.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

David Goldberg, President, California Teachers Association

“Tonight, Californians heard Xavier Becerra stand up for teachers, for students and for working families. He made clear that the wealthy must pay their fair share so California has a steady, reliable revenue stream for our schools and communities, and he laid out his plan to bring down the cost of living so educators and families can afford to live in the communities where they teach and learn. This November the choice is clear. Our students and communities deserve a leader who will stand up for public education and stand with union educators, and that leader is Xavier Becerra.”

Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose

“Tonight, Xavier Becerra showed Californians what thoughtful, measured leadership looks like. He knows what’s at stake, he understands the challenges facing our state, and he has the experience to bring people together and get things done. At a time when Washington is defined by chaos and division, California needs a governor who can lead with both conviction and common sense.”

Arnulfo de La Cruz, President, SEIU California State Council & SEIU 2015

“At a time when so much is at stake — from the right to vote to the ability of working families to get ahead — we need leadership with a proven track record of getting things done. Xavier Becerra has spent his career fighting for working people and defending our democracy, and he has the experience to deliver results for California families. The choice is clear: when Donald Trump tries to cut health care or send ICE and Border Patrol into our communities, Xavier Becerra will stand up to him and for California values.”

Speaker Robert Rivas, California State Assembly

“Xavier Becerra has the experience to take on California’s toughest challenges. Throughout his career, he has fought to expand access to health care, protect our democracy and stand up for California families. He knows how to turn ideas into policy and policy into results. That’s the leadership California needs from day one.”

Sec. Jennifer Granholm, Fmr. U.S. Secretary of Energy

“The fight to protect affordable care has never been more important. Serving alongside Xavier Becerra in President Biden’s Cabinet, I saw firsthand how he helped expand coverage through the Affordable Care Act as Secretary of Health and Human Services, lowering prescription drug costs and making health care accessible and affordable for families across the country. He knows what’s at stake and has a proven record of delivering results when it matters most.”

Mayor Rex Richardson, City of Long Beach

“Our health care is under attack, and California families need a governor who knows how to fight back and win. Xavier Becerra has spent his career fighting to make sure every Californian can see a doctor and afford the care they need. He helped write the Affordable Care Act, and when Donald Trump tried to tear it down, Xavier took him to court and won. At a moment when access to health care is once again on the line, Xavier has the experience, the backbone, and the record to protect Californians.”

Tony Hoang, Executive Director, Equality California

“Xavier Becerra has spent his career standing up for California families. As Attorney General, he took Trump to court more than 100 times to protect our health care, our rights and our immigrant neighbors, including the families who run our small businesses, care for our loved ones and strengthen our communities. That record matters more than ever as transgender young people and their families face attacks on their health care, their rights, and their ability to feel safe and supported at school. Steve Hilton has pledged to roll back protections for transgender students while praising Trump’s immigration crackdown as being carried out ‘to perfection.’ Tonight’s debate put those differences on full display. Xavier will continue fighting to protect every California family.”

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Xavier Becerra has dedicated over 35 years of public service to California, serving in the State Assembly, U.S. Congress, as California Attorney General, and as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Throughout his career, he has focused on delivering for Californians: from passing the Affordable Care Act and lowering costs to taking on the Trump Administration and winning lawsuits on behalf of Californians, to leading the world’s largest health agency. Now, Becerra is running for Governor to help California build, protect our California way of life, and make sure California rises beyond the chaos in Washington. Becerra is married to Dr. Carolina Reyes, a high-risk OBGYN. Together, the lifelong Californians have raised their three adult daughters.