Becerra Wins California Governor's Race With a $1B Film Credit Waiting
Summary
Unions spent the eve of the election asking whether the next governor would back Newsom's plan, and the answer is now Xavier Becerra's to give.
"Democrat Xavier Becerra was elected governor of California on Tuesday, defeating Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator endorsed by President Trump. The Associated Press called the race at 8 p.m. Pacific, the moment polls closed, TheWrap reported. A pre-election UC Berkeley poll co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times had Becerra ahead 61% to 34% among likely voters.
The result lands one day after outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom proposed raising the state's film and television tax credit to at least $1 billion a year, up $250 million from the current $750 million. According to TheWrap, Becerra supports a federal film incentive and has pledged to defend and expand the $750 million program, but he has not said whether he would cover above-the-line salaries or lift the cap entirely.
Deadline reported that the Entertainment Union Coalition, which includes SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the DGA, WGA West and the Teamsters, thanked Newsom and said it would work with the next governor and Legislature on a ""proportionate response."" Teamsters Local 399 argued the program should be uncapped to compete with New York, adding, ""Our industry cannot survive on expressions of support alone."" The Producers Guild called for ""bold action."" No bill or vote schedule for the $1 billion plan has been announced."
