The knives are officially out for Xavier Becerra, which may be the strongest sign yet the former U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services hasa legitimate shot to become California’s next governor.
Following allegations of rape, sexual assault and other misconduct that led tothe epic collapse of Eric Swalwell’s campaign and career,no candidate in the race has benefited more than Becerra.
Democratic donors and operatives who were aligned with the East Bay congressman have begun rallying around Becerra, and he seemslikely to gain support from those in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orbit.
However, Becerra’s surge in the polls has reignited scrutiny of a decorated — but at times uneven — political career spanning nearly four decades.
He is now in a dead heat with progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and slightly leading ex-congresswoman Katie Porter as the top Democratic options.
Meanwhile, Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton is leading the race as conservative Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is polling nearly even with the Democratic options.
“This surge is interesting, because much to the consternation of all the political consultants, this seems like it was completely organic,” said Paul Mitchell, vice president at Political Data.
“But this is not ‘Becerra is a permanent frontrunner’ — this is Becerra seemingly having an opportunity, and the question will be how well his campaign can perform.”
Becerra, a former Los Angeles congressman, California attorney general from 2017 to 2021 and Biden cabinet member from 2021 to 2025, is now facing renewed questions about whether his resume reflects effective leadership or a pattern ofstruggling in high-pressure roles.
During his tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services, Becerra was tasked with helping manage both the pandemic response and a surge of unaccompanied migrant children at the southern border. Critics say he failed to assert himself in either arena. Meanwhile, concerns also have been raised about a corruption scandal involving an old campaign account.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
