Mexico's President Backs California Governor Bid
Claudia Sheinbaum praised Xavier Becerra's candidacy but declined to comment on other US election results on election day.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum voiced support on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for Xavier Becerra, the Democratic candidate for governor of California. Sheinbaum spoke during her daily press conference as voting took place across the United States for the midterm elections. Her remarks focused specifically on the potential impact of a Becerra victory for the Mexican community.
The President stated that Becerra, who is the son of Mexican immigrants, represents a shift away from narratives promoted by far-right groups in the US. She described these narratives as rooted in classism and racism. "It breaks with the narrative of the far-right groups in the United States against Latinos," Sheinbaum said. "It is the narrative of classism, of racism that must end anywhere in the world."
Sheinbaum noted that approximately 40 million people of Mexican origin, including first and second-generation individuals, reside in the United States. She argued that their presence makes them an integral part of US life and political participation. "They participate in the life of the United States as part of the political parties of the United States," she added.
When reporters asked for her views on the possibility of Democrats regaining a majority in Congress, Sheinbaum declined to offer an opinion. She emphasized that it was not appropriate for Mexico to comment on the day of the election. "We do not opine. Today is the election, no, it does not correspond to us to opine on this day," she stated. She said Mexico would wait for the results and continue its own path regardless of the outcome.
Becerra has campaigned on the legacy of his family's immigration story. He has urged the Latino community in California to vote, both for themselves and in memory of Hispanic migrants who do not have voting rights. Current polls show Becerra holding a considerable lead over Republican candidate Steve Hilton. This advantage follows the exit of Eric Swalwell from the race after accusations of sexual assault.
If elected, Becerra has pledged to maintain California's position as a key counterbalance to President Donald Trump. During his tenure as California Attorney General, he filed more than 120 lawsuits against the first Trump administration. These legal actions covered issues ranging from immigration policy to climate change. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, is a fellow Democrat who will not seek re-election in this cycle.
The election represents a pivotal moment for California's political leadership. Becerra's campaign highlighted his experience in defending the state's interests against federal executive actions. His potential victory would place a candidate with strong ties to the Mexican community at the helm of the most populous US state.
