California is getting a very different kind of governor in Xavier Becerra
Governor-elect Xavier Becerra addresses supporters on election night at Drake’s: The Barn in Sacramento on Nov. 3, 2026.
TL;DR
- Xavier Becerra, California's governor-elect, has a significantly different personal style and political background than current Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Becerra is described as shorter, more reserved, and a fan of dad jokes, contrasting with Newsom's taller, more prominent public persona.
- Newsom has an executive-focused career, while Becerra comes from a legislative background, serving in Congress for 24 years before becoming California's Attorney General and then Health and Human Services Secretary.
- Both are Democrats with similar policy stances, but their governing styles differ: Becerra is methodical and seeks legislative consensus, while Newsom is known for pushing boundaries and making bold public promises.
- Becerra's approach involves careful consideration of policy and a reluctance to make public commitments he can't fulfill, leading to criticism of being a "nonentity" from rivals, but also praise for being strategic and engaged with the legislature from allies.