Sheinbaum Celebrates Xavier Becerra and Gina Hinojosa’s Gubernatorial Wins

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday, Nov. 4, celebrated the election of two politicians of Mexican descent as governors in the United States. Speaking at a news conference, she said the results reflected a sentiment among the American public and highlighted the participation of people with Mexican roots in U.S. politics. She named Xavier Becerra, elected governor of California, and Gina Hinojosa, elected governor of Texas. Both are Democrats and have parents or other family members born in Mexico.

Sheinbaum said the victories were worth highlighting because both candidates have Mexican origins. She also pointed to their ties to the states they will lead and to Mexicans. She said the results represented recognition of the Mexican American community in the United States and expressed pleasure that Mexican Americans there were participating in politics and receiving recognition.

In California, Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton, becoming the first Latino elected directly to the state’s governorship. He previously served as secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, as California attorney general and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In Texas, Hinojosa defeated Republican Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term. Her victory ended three decades of Republican dominance in the state’s gubernatorial race and made her the first Hispanic woman elected governor of Texas.

The two victories came in the U.S. midterm elections held Tuesday, Nov. 3. The elections also gave Democrats majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking a defeat for the party of President Donald Trump. Commenting on the broader results, Sheinbaum said Mexico would maintain its relationship with the United States regardless of the country’s political makeup, while respecting Mexican sovereignty and continuing bilateral cooperation.