Becerra Becomes First Latino Elected Governor as 17 Black Candidates Lead in California Races

November 4, 2026

Black candidates demonstrated strong performance in California's November 3 general election, leading in 17 of 24 state and federal races with 10 victories already called by the Associated Press. Key winners include Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Controller Malia Cohen, who will be California's only Black statewide officeholders after Tony Thurmond leaves his position in January. All eight Black Assembly incumbents are currently leading their races, and if current results hold, the California Legislative Black Caucus will expand from 12 to 13 members.

Who is affected

Black candidates running in 24 state and federal contests in California
Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Controller Malia Cohen (California's remaining Black statewide officeholders)
U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters, Lateefah Simon, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Eight Black Assembly incumbents including Lori Wilson, Mia Bonta, Sade Elhawary, and Tina McKinnor
California Legislative Black Caucus members
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (termed out)
Ayanna Davis (leading to replace Gipson)
Voters in affected districts across California including South Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside County, San Diego, and the Central Valley
Xavier Becerra (elected governor)
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond (leaving office in January)

What action is being taken

Counties are continuing to process vote-by-mail ballots, provisional ballots, conditional voter registration ballots, and damaged ballots
County elections officials are working toward reporting final results to the Secretary of State by December 4
Rep. Maxine Waters stated she is working to restore food stamps for children, restore Medicare, and develop a major housing bill

Why it matters

This election represents significant representation for Black Californians in state and federal government, with Black candidates leading in over 70% of races in which they appeared. The success of these candidates, particularly the retention of all Black incumbents, demonstrates sustained political strength in their districts. However, the departure of Superintendent Tony Thurmond will leave California with only two Black statewide officeholders (Weber and Cohen), highlighting the limited representation at the highest levels of state government. The potential growth of the California Legislative Black Caucus from 12 to 13 or 14 members indicates incremental progress in state legislative representation.

What's next

Counties will continue processing ballots postmarked by Election Day and received by November 10
County elections officials must report final results to the Secretary of State by December 4
The Secretary of State will certify the election by December 11
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will leave office in January
Rep. Maxine Waters plans to work on restoring food stamps for children, restoring Medicare, and creating the biggest housing bill in 35 years

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint