BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The Associated Press projects Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra will be California’s next governor, defeating Republican Steve Hilton in a race that will help shape the direction of the state for the next four years.<\/p>\n
Here in Kern County, voters turned out to cast their ballots in that contest. The voters I spoke with supported Becerra, but their reasons for doing so were personal.<\/p>\n
For one voter, the connection came down to representation.<\/p>\n
“Because I feel like I can, he can relate with me. He can relate with my community. He cares deeply about the Latino community.”<\/p>\n
For others, the decision was shaped by the issues they feel most in their own homes and communities, from affordability to public safety and the economy. When I asked one voter whether a key local issue drove their vote, the answer centered on Kern County’s economy.<\/p>\n
“Absolutely. Our oil and gas industry is everything to Kern County. We’re on the cusp of returning to a golden era here in Kern County. There isn’t an endless taxpayer’s pot of money. I’m really excited about him.”<\/p>\n
The latest unofficial results show Becerra leading statewide, and the Associated Press has called the race in his favor, with ballots still being counted, and the voters I spoke with said they’ll be watching closely to see how California’s next governor addresses the issues they brought to the ballot box.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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