Steve Hilton takes a swipe at Dem rival Xavier Becerra in concession speech after governor’s race is called

Steve Hilton offered a message of hope to California Republicans reeling from a steep loss in part due to a blue wave sweeping the country — and he made a promise.

The California Republican, who conceded to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra on Tuesday night, told Democrats to watch their backs in 2030.

“[In] 2030, we elect a Republican governor in California,” he said to a crowd in Garden Grove. “But here’s my message to Xavier Becerra: enjoy it while it lasts.”

Becerra led Hilton 64% to 36% on Wednesday morning with 59% of the vote in after the Associated Press called the race early Tuesday night.

Democrats ran the table in statewide offices in California and won several critical House seats within the Golden State. Nationwide, Democrats won the House and the Senate in decisive fashion.

Becerra, a former Biden administration official, had a wide polling lead over Hilton during much of the race. Republicans haven’t won the governor’s race in California since 2006.

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Hilton did wish Becerra well as he noted his loss.

“We have a new governor in California,” he said. “I know it’s not the one you wished for, but I do wish Xavier Becerra well. We want our state to be governed properly.”

Becerra, the first Latino governor in about 150 years for California, took a victory lap after battling through a crowded Democratic field to beat Hilton.

“What a great night to be a Californian. What a great night to be an American,” Becerra said in his victory speech. “To be the son of immigrants from a union household to be standing in victory with all of you. Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. These past two years have been tough: higher prices, more wars, corruption and lawlessness. But we hung in there; fought back. It felt like Mission: Impossible. We knew it was mission necessary.”

Becerra will take the reins from Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, who has presidential ambitions, after he steps down in January.

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