Becerra's Pragmatic Agenda: Tax Shifts, Energy Compromises, and Immigrant Health

Key points

• Becerra opposes asset taxes but supports taxing corporations with low-wage workers and potentially ending their tax credits.
• He is considering a miles-driven tax to replace declining gas tax revenue, which is projected to drop by $31 billion over the next decade.
• The 'power hour' initiative would provide two hours of free electricity daily to low-income households during peak solar production.
• Becerra plans to reverse Medi-Cal restrictions that removed tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants from coverage.
• He will maintain the death penalty moratorium, citing concerns about racial bias and wrongful convictions, despite previous support for the death penalty as attorney general.

Background

Becerra, 68, is the first Latino governor in over 150 years, succeeding term-limited Gavin Newsom. His victory in the November 2026 midterms marked a decisive win against Republican Steve Hilton, who was endorsed by President Trump. The election occurred amid a broader Democratic surge, with Democrats gaining control of the U.S. Congress. Becerra’s background includes serving as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, California Attorney General, and a 24-year U.S. Representative from Los Angeles. His campaign emphasized opposing Trump administration policies and addressing high costs of living, while his opponent focused on reducing bureaucracy and restoring affordability.

How outlets are covering it

CalMatters highlights Becerra’s pragmatic approach, noting his shift away from single-payer healthcare and his focus on incremental changes. NBC News emphasizes his platform of battling the Trump administration and protecting healthcare, housing, and immigrant rights, while also noting criticism from Biden administration alumni regarding his management of health crises. BBC focuses on the broader context of the election, noting Hilton’s loss as a Republican in a liberal state and Becerra’s historic status as the first Latino governor. All sources agree on the key policy areas but differ in emphasis: CalMatters details specific policy proposals like the miles-driven tax and 'power hour,' while NBC News focuses on his anti-Trump stance and past criticisms, and BBC provides context on the political landscape and Hilton’s campaign themes.

Why it matters

Becerra’s governance style and policy decisions will shape California’s response to federal cuts, energy costs, and immigration enforcement. His approach to taxes and energy could impact state revenue and infrastructure funding, while his stance on immigrant healthcare and the death penalty moratorium reflects his pragmatic progressive identity. The outcome of the wildfire liability debate and the 2030 gas car ban decision will also have significant implications for utilities and environmental policy.

What to watch

The state Department of Finance is expected to deliver recommendations on corporate taxes to lawmakers next year. Becerra will decide whether to keep the 2030 deadline for banning new gas cars based on the state of EV charging infrastructure. He will also address the wildfire liability issue if Newsom does not resolve it in the next two months. Additionally, he will work to reverse Medi-Cal restrictions for undocumented immigrants and enforce new state laws curbing immigration agents' activities.