While America experienced a political upheaval on Election Night, California rode atop the “blue wave” by keeping all statewide offices in Democratic hands while reducing Republicans to a mere carpool in the nation’s largest congressional delegation (only 4 of 52 House seats for the GOP in the next Congress thanks to Proposition 50’s partisan gerrymander). That said, California’s ballot slate produced mixed results (a billionaire trounced; a temporary income tax on high earners made permanent). As for California Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra, the state’s first elected Latino chief executive, once he takes over in January, will he stay the course with Gavin Newsom’s agenda – tempting, as he relies on Newsom advisors for political and policy guidance – or does he act differently on such thorny matters as taxation, spending discipline, a lack of affordable housing, and the Golden State’s much-maligned high-speed rail project? Meanwhile, in one election that did produce drama: what does the future bode for Los Angeles and an undecided mayor’s race whose winner likewise won’t lack for challenges in America’s second-largest city (chronic homelessness, a dwindling entertainment industry, and gearing up for the 2028 Summer Olympics)? Recorded on November 4, 2026. __________ The opinions expressed on this channel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University. © 2026 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University. 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions:  @HooverInstitution  👍 Like and share this video! 🌐 Follow us on social media: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooverInstStanford • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoover-institution-at-stanford-university • Instagram: https://instagram.com/hooverinstitution • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hooverinstitution • X: https://www.twitter.com/HooverInst