Becerra Seizes California Governorship Amid Unresolved Film Credit Fight
The new governor faces a decision on expanding the state's production incentive as Gavin Newsom departs in two months.
By Lina Lewis ·
Xavier Becerra is the new governor of California.
The Democrat secured the office by defeating Republican Steve Hilton in the general election. Becerra’s campaign focused on reducing energy bills and advancing universal health care. A central pillar of his platform was opposition to President Donald Trump. As state attorney general during Trump’s first term, Becerra filed more than 100 lawsuits against the president.
The race for the top state job has now ended, but the debate over film incentives has not. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan on Monday to increase the state’s production tax credit from $750 million to $1 billion. The proposal would cover above-the-line costs and push the program’s expiration date to 2040. Newsom leaves office in two months, meaning Becerra will inherit the decision-making power over the proposal.
Hollywood stakeholders continue to push for an unlimited tax incentive. Such a change would function as an entitlement, removing the need for discretionary approval from the state film commission. An Assembly special committee held a hearing on the matter last week. Committee chair Rick Chavez Zbur described the idea of an unlimited incentive as a “heavy lift” following the session.
Becerra has avoided taking a firm stance on the specific expansion. He told Variety last month that the industry is vital to Southern California’s identity. He cited Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Disneyland as key reasons tourists visit the region. “We have to fight to keep that industry here in Southern California,” he said. His campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding Newsom’s Monday announcement.
Becerra’s path to the top was not straightforward. He emerged as the primary frontrunner only after Representative Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race and resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations. His closest Democratic rival was hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer, who held the support of IATSE and various progressive organizations. Becerra previously served as a member of Congress and as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration.
The new governor’s official website lists a film policy that lacks explicit commitments. Pangram rated the text as 100% AI-generated. Becerra said he will sit down with legislators to review incoming proposals. “But we’re going to fight,” he told Variety.
