Becerra Win Could Reshape California's China Ties

Analysts expect a Democratic win in California's governor race to keep but scale back the state's climate and tech cooperation with China.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified capitol dome silhouette above open farmland with a row of solar panel shapes in the foreground. — California voters decide Tuesday, November 3, 2026, between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, a race that could reshape the state's China climate and tech ties. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should California keep cooperating with China on climate and clean energy?

California voters go to the polls Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in a gubernatorial race between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Analysts expect a Becerra victory would preserve but reduce the state's cooperation with China on climate and technology.

Why it matters

California has pursued climate and clean-energy deals with China since 2013, and US federal restrictions on technology and trade are already constraining that cooperation. The outcome could determine how far the state continues engaging with its largest trade partner on green industries.

California's economy totals US$4.25 trillion, and the state has pledged carbon neutrality by 2045, while China targets 2060. Neither gubernatorial candidate has publicly addressed how the China agreements would be handled after the election.

The players

Xavier Becerra

Becerra is a Democrat and former US Health and Human Services secretary running for California governor.

Steve Hilton

Hilton is a Republican and former Fox News host running for California governor.

Gavin Newsom

Newsom is the current governor of California who expanded the state's deal making with China after taking office in 2019.

The details

California has signed memorandums of understanding with China's National Development and Reform Commission, two Chinese provinces, and the cities of Beijing and Shanghai. In August, four Republican legislators called for a federal investigation into those agreements, while US laws on solar components, semiconductors, and EV batteries limit cooperation.

2013: California's cooperation with China began under former governor Jerry Brown.
2019: Newsom took office and expanded deal making with China.
August: Republican legislators called for a federal investigation of the China agreements.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: California voters elect the next governor.

Roadmap

California's China partnerships on electric vehicles and clean energy are operating under US federal rules that restrict imports of solar components, semiconductors, and EV batteries. The election will shape whether the state keeps working within those limits or moves toward more protective trade positions.

Drivers and buyers in California may see changes to the EV and clean-energy supply chain depending on how the next administration handles China partnerships. Any shift in trade policy could affect the battery and component costs that feed into vehicle pricing.

The takeaway

The governor's choice will determine whether California keeps expanding its climate deals with China or narrows them under federal pressure. Readers following EV prices should watch how trade rules on batteries and components evolve after the election.