Xavier Becerra Becomes California’s First Latino Elected as Governor, Defeating Steve HiltonThe New York Times reports that Xavier Becerra, a Democrat who was once urged by his own party chairman to quit the race, defeated Steve Hilton to become California's first Latino elected governor and will succeed the term-limited Gavin Newsom. The article also tracks other election returns, with Democrats given a greater than 95 percent chance of winning both Senate and House control.