Becerra to Lead California as First Latino Governor in Modern Era

Xavier Becerra will serve as California’s first Latino governor in modern times.

His victory marks the second time a Latino has held the office, following Romualdo Pacheco, who served for 10 months in 1875.

The win occurred after a rally on Olvera Street in Los Angeles, the birthplace of the city.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Monique Limón stood beside Becerra during the event.

Rivas told the crowd that Latinos had never simultaneously occupied the top spots in both legislative chambers and the governor’s mansion.

Becerra noted that the state’s largest ethnic group, comprising 41% of the population, faces high costs for food, gas, and housing.

He stated, “We are here, we are present and we will fight,” adding that the immediate goal is to get the vote out.

Political strategist Mike Madrid observed the moment from the Pico House, a historic hotel named after Pio Pico.

Pico opened the structure in 1870 as a tribute to Latino contributions to the state.

Madrid described the victory as a return to a time when Latinos ruled California before the Mexican-American War.

The state now has other Latino leaders in prominent roles.

Patricia Guerrero became the first Latina California Supreme Court Chief Justice in 2023 upon appointment by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023. Note: Source says appointed in 2023, sworn in 2022. Wait, source says "appointed her in 2023" and caption says sworn in March 28, 2022. I will stick to the text body claim of 2023 appointment or the caption date? The text says "when Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her in 2023." I will use that fact. Actually, let's look closer. "California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero became the first Latina to occupy that role when Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her in 2023." I will use this sentence's fact. Wait, caption says sworn in 2022. Text says appointed 2023. I will say she serves in that role. To be safe, I will mention her role without conflicting dates if possible, or use the text's date. Let's use the text's date as it is in the main body. Or just say she is the Chief Justice. Let's stick to the text: "appointed her in 2023". Wait, checking the source text again: "when Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her in 2023." Okay. Actually, looking at the caption: "sworn-in.. March 28, 2022". There is a discrepancy in the source. I will rely on the main text for the narrative flow but be careful. I will simply state she is the Chief Justice. Or I can say Newsom appointed her. Let's avoid the specific year if it's confusing, or pick the text's year. The prompt says use facts in the source. I will say she was appointed by Newsom. Let's look at the other names. Alex Padilla is the senior U.S. senator. He is the son of Mexican immigrants. Rep. Pete Aguilar is the third most powerful Democrat in Congress. He is a fourth-generation Mexican American from Redlands. Lorena Gonzalez leads the California Labor Federation. She is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant father and a white mother. These leaders will govern during a period of challenge. The state faces droughts, wildfires, and stagnant population growth. A federal administration has attempted to block the votes of 20,000 California immigrants it alleges are noncitizens. A poll released last week showed that only 45% of Latino voters in California felt proud about the prospect of a Latino governor. Lena Gonzalez, a state senator from Long Beach who chairs the Latino Legislative Caucus, said voters care more about results than identity. She stated, “People will say, ‘OK, that’s great [he’s Latino], but how are you fighting back?’” Becerra previously served in the state assembly and Congress for 27 years. Gov. Jerry Brown appointed him as the state’s first Latino attorney general in 2017. He later served as the country’s first Latino Health and Human Services secretary under President Biden. Becerra began his campaign far behind in the polls. He surged after Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out due to sexual assault allegations. His campaign marketed him as Tío Xavier, a non-threatening moderate. Madrid, a lifelong Republican, voted for Becerra because GOP candidate Steve Hilton refused to denounce MAGA. Becerra met with supporters at Homegirl Cafe in Chinatown on Monday. He answered questions in the packed dining room. The crowd chanted his name loudly.