Becerra's California Gov Surge Hits Scandal Snag

Xavier Becerra, California's former attorney general and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, has surged in the 2026 gubernatorial race following Rep. Eric Swalwell's withdrawal earlier this month over sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Polls show Becerra climbing into the top tier of Democrats, bolstered by endorsements from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and 14 other Democratic lawmakers, who praise his readiness to counter President Donald Trump's policies. During his 2017-2021 stint as attorney general, Becerra filed 122 lawsuits against Trump's first administration, burnishing his fighter credentials in a state wary of federal overreach.[1][2][3] The June 2 all-party primary looms with Republicans Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton leading overall polls, raising Democratic fears of a splintered field sending two GOP candidates to the November 3 runoff. Becerra blasted USC and ABC7's March 24 Los Angeles debate for excluding all candidates of color, including himself, while featuring white rivals like Bianco, Hilton, Swalwell, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer and another Democrat. 'This smells of election rigging,' Becerra charged, highlighting criteria that sidelined top Democrats of color less than three months from the primary.[1] Scrutiny intensified last week when federal indictments revealed a fraud scheme involving Becerra's campaign consultants. Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell and associate Brian McCluskie pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud; Podesta Group executive Dwayne Williamson pleaded not guilty to 23 counts including tax fraud. The plot, hatched in February 2022, funneled campaign payments—escalating to $10,000 monthly by 2023 through Newsom chief of staff Ann O'Leary's orbit—to McCluskie. Becerra acknowledged McCluskie handled the payments but distanced himself, saying the consultant would explain.[4] Porter has fired back at Becerra in recent debates, while his national profile from HHS—managing COVID-19 vaccines and policies—from Congress since 1993 and early AG battles draws mixed reviews in a field packed with heavyweights. With the primary weeks away, Becerra's momentum tests whether voters prioritize experience or demand fresh accountability in Sacramento.[2][5][6]