The gubernatorial candidate who has bolstered in the polls after theEric Swalwell scandalis stacking his campaign with Gavin Newsom allies and heavy hitters.
Just 35 days out from California’s jungle primary race in June,Xavier Becerrais beefing up his staff as he seeks to advance to the November election and take onTrump-endorsed Steve Hiltonand Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer,Politico’s California Playbook reported.
The former Health and Human Services secretary under the Biden administration has reportedly hiredLindsey Cobia and Courtni Pugh, two political consultants who have worked with the current governor since 2015 and 2021, to serve as senior political advisers.
Cobia, a longtime Democratic political operative in California, served as deputy chief of staff to Newsom from 2019 to 2023 and is described as his “Swiss Army knife” for handling strategy, scheduling and decisions.
Meanwhile, Pugh, who has been relatively new to Newsom’s team, has worked with top ballot candidates like former Vice President Kamala Harris and local candidates like Mayor Karen Bass.
The two firms that helped power Newsom’s social media and digital fundraising efforts — Lamont Digital and Aisle 518 — have also joined the Becerra camp.
Others among Becerra’s hires, Playbook reported, include Jonathan Underland as senior communications director and Danny Fierro as organizing director. Vanessa Carr, Nicole Serrano and Jacob Jauregui have also joined the Democrat’s team.
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Swalwell was the leading Democratic contender until he exited the race amidmultiple allegations of sexual assault and rape, as well as a Department of Justice investigation.
He has denied the accusations. Allegations from four former staffers surfaced, effectively ending his campaign and political ambitions and ultimately leading to his resignation from Congress.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
