Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday congratulated Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) and California Governor-elect Xavier Becerra (D), calling their victories historic milestones for Mexican Americans.
“I would like to highlight the achievement of two individuals of Mexican origin: the governor-elect of California and the governor-elect of Texas,” Sheinbaum said at a press conference, as translated by Courthouse News.
Sheinbaum said their wins were a source of pride for Mexicans and that both leaders maintain strong ties to the Mexican community, beyond their political platforms and Mexico’s historical connections to Texas and California, according to United Press International.
The Mexican leader told reporters the election results reflect “a sentiment among the American people,” per the outlet.
Hinojosa’s Historic Win in Texas
Hinojosa defeated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott (R), denying him a fourth term. She becomes the third woman to lead Texas, following Ann Richards (1991–1995) and Miriam A. Ferguson (1933–1935). Abbott conceded and pledged a smooth transition, as Abbott conceded the Texas governor race.
The Democratic wave in Texas extended beyond the governor’s mansion. Senator-elect James Talarico (D) won his race, and Democratic state Representative Vikki Goodwin defeated Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R). Democrats also swept races for attorney general, comptroller, railroad commissioner, and agriculture commissioner, marking a historic midterm wave for the party.
Becerra’s First for California
Becerra, who served as Health and Human Services Secretary under President Biden, defeated Republican Steve Hilton by appealing to Latinos, a crucial voting bloc in California. He will succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who may run for president in 2028.
Becerra becomes the first Latino governor of California since Romualdo Pacheco, who held the office briefly in 1875. His victory was closely watched, as the California governor race remained competitive until polls closed.
Both Texas and California have deep Mexican roots. Texas was part of Mexico until its independence in 1836 and joined the U.S. in 1845. California became a state in 1850 after the Mexican-American War, two years after the Gold Rush began.
Sheinbaum’s remarks underscore the growing political influence of Mexican Americans in U.S. elections. Her recognition of Hinojosa and Becerra highlights the cross-border significance of their victories.
