The two gubernatorial candidates offer sharply different approaches to immigration, Medi-Cal, affordability and state government, with potential implications for communities across California.
California voters will choose their next governor in November, and the two major candidates, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, are offering different approaches on several issues that affect many Latino families, including healthcare, immigration and affordability.
While both candidates say they want to improve life for Californians, they propose different ways of doing so. Understanding those differences can help voters evaluate how each platform could affect their communities.
Healthcare
Healthcare has become one of the clearest policy differences between the candidates.
Becerra, who previously served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has argued that maintaining healthcare access for low-income immigrants helps reduce expensive emergency room visits and supports public health. He has criticized recent reductions to Medi-Cal coverage for some undocumented immigrants and says he would seek more stable funding for essential health programs.
Hilton has proposed ending state-funded Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants. He argues those savings should instead be directed toward healthcare and other services for U.S. citizens and legal residents as part of his broader affordability agenda.
Immigration
The candidates also differ on immigration enforcement and California’s relationship with federal authorities.
Becerra has pledged to defend California’s sanctuary policies and says state government should continue protecting the civil rights of immigrant communities while complying with state law.
Hilton supports greater cooperation between California and federal immigration authorities and has campaigned on stricter immigration enforcement alongside broader government reforms.
Affordability and the Economy
Both candidates acknowledge that affordability is a major concern, but they propose different solutions.
Becerra has emphasized government investment in healthcare, housing and other public services while supporting new revenue sources to fund those programs. He argues these investments help families manage California’s high cost of living.
Hilton has centered his campaign on what he calls the “Califordable” agenda. His proposals include exempting the first $100,000 of income from state income tax under a revised tax structure, reducing regulations, expanding domestic energy production and lowering business costs to encourage economic growth.
Why These Differences Matter
For many California households, the election could influence future decisions involving:
- Access to Medi-Cal and public healthcare programs
- State immigration policies
- Taxes and affordability
- Housing policy
- Energy and transportation costs
- State spending priorities
Because Latinos make up a large share of California’s workforce and population, changes in these areas could have significant effects on many families, particularly those working in healthcare, construction, hospitality, agriculture and small business.
Important Points
- Becerra supports maintaining broader healthcare access, including for many undocumented immigrants, while Hilton supports ending state-funded Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented adults.
- Becerra supports California’s existing sanctuary framework, while Hilton favors increased cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Becerra emphasizes public investment and government programs to address affordability, while Hilton focuses on tax reductions, deregulation and market-based economic policies.
California voters will decide between the two candidates in the November 2026 general election. As the campaign continues, both candidates are expected to release additional policy proposals and participate in debates that further define their positions on housing, education, public safety and the economy.
