{"id":2599584,"date":"2026-05-06T16:24:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T20:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/becerra-solidifies-status-as-candidate-to-beat-in-ca-governors-race-experts\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T16:26:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T20:26:21","slug":"becerra-solidifies-status-as-candidate-to-beat-in-ca-governors-race-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/becerra-solidifies-status-as-candidate-to-beat-in-ca-governors-race-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"Becerra solidifies status as candidate to beat in CA governor\u2019s race: Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fbecerra-solidifies-status-as-candidate-to-beat-in-ca-governors-race-experts%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2599584&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Xavier Becerra, the leading Democrat candidate to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, drew the most attention in a Tuesday CNN debate as other candidates and Republicans scrutinized his record and vulnerabilities. He faced attacks over his time as Health and Human Services secretary-especially issues involving treatment of immigrant minors-along with criticism of his changing position on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-left-thinks-congress-is-theirs-but-moderates-keep-dealing-them-setbacks\/\" title=\"The Left Thinks Congress Is Theirs, But Moderates Keep Dealing Them Setbacks\">single-payer healthcare<\/a>, alleged ties to Big Oil, and a campaign finance scandal involving his former aide.<\/p>\n<p>Steve Hilton, the GOP front-runner, pressed Becerra about the case, which critics say involves Becerra funds allegedly being misused by aide Sean McCluskie; Becerra denied any knowledge or involvement. on healthcare, Becerra was criticized for appearing to walk back support for a California single-payer system, though he reiterated support for Medicare for all when challenged by opponents such as Katie Porter.<\/p>\n<p>Mail-in voting for the June 2 primary has already begun, tightening the period for candidates to build momentum in the closely clustered field. Political analysts said Becerra largely managed the sustained attacks effectively, suggesting his performance helped sustain his surge in polls and reinforce the perception that he could credibly challenge President Trump.Becerra and the other candidates are set to debate again Wednesday night, with another mayoral debate scheduled beforehand.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p>Candidates running to replace Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/gavin-newsom\/\">Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) zeroed in on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/xavier-becerra\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1719\">Xavier Becerra<\/a> during Tuesday night\u2019s debate, the latest indication that the former Health and Human Services secretary may be the one to beat.<\/p>\n<p>During the two-hour CNN debate, Becerra took hits from both Republicans and the four other Democrats onstage about everything from handling <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/immigration\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"8775\">immigrant<\/a> minors during his time at HHS to his evolving stance on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/health-care\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11037\">single-payer healthcare<\/a>, ties to Big Oil, and a campaign finance scandal involving a former aide.  <\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4555270\/california-elections-in-play-for-republicans-joe-concha\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>California elections \u2018in play\u2019 for Republicans: Joe Concha<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4554951\/california-governor-race-back-to-back-debates-mail-in-voting\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>California gubernatorial hopefuls contend with back-to-back debates with finish line in sight<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4553238\/thune-scott-barr-kentucky-senate-endorsement-trump\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Thune and Scott follow Trump\u2019s lead with endorsement of Andy Barr<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>The televised debate came one day after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/california-gubernatorial-hopefuls-contend-with-back-to-back-debates-with-finish-line-in-sight\/\" title=\"... gubernatorial hopefuls contend with back-to-back ...s with finish line in sight\">voters began receiving mail-<\/a>in ballots for the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-election\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11675\">June 2 primary<\/a>, raising the stakes for a field in which five of the eight candidates are clustered within striking distance of one another. With early voting underway, the window to break out is shrinking rapidly. The candidates will meet again on Wednesday night.  <\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra participates in a California gubernatorial debate hosted by CNN at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, California, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ethan Swope)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>GOP front-runner <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4554414\/becerra-hilton-tied-california-gubernatorial-poll\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4554414\">Steve Hilton<\/a>, who is tied with Becerra in the latest <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/cadem.org\/california-democratic-party-releases-new-california-voter-index-tracking-survey\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/cadem.org\/california-democratic-party-releases-new-california-voter-index-tracking-survey\/\">poll<\/a> from the California Democratic Party, questioned Becerra about his role in a criminal case involving the top aide, claiming he was \u201cmired personally in a corruption scandal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The accusation stems from Becerra\u2019s relationship with Sean McCluskie, who, along with two others, is accused of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3889740\/corruption-scandal-could-end-xavier-becerra-california-governor-bid\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3889740\/corruption-scandal-could-end-xavier-becerra-california-governor-bid\/\">stealing $225,000<\/a> worth of Becerra\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/newsoms-ex-chief-of-staff-indicted-for-fraud-scheme\/\" title=\"Newsom&#039;s Ex-Chief Of Staff Indicted For Fraud Scheme\">dormant campaign funds<\/a> for personal use, leading critics to accuse Becerra of being \u201casleep at the wheel\u201d while his aide looted him.<\/p>\n<p>Becerra said that he had no knowledge of the alleged crimes and no role in the case.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf I had been involved, the U.S. attorney would have had me in that indictment,\u201d he said. \u201cI was not involved.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Becerra was also criticized for shifting his stance on single-payer healthcare, a key issue for California voters that seeks to establish a federally run and funded healthcare system.<\/p>\n<p>Although Becerra has <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >historically backed single-payer healthcare<\/a>, he recently told the California Medical Association \u2014 a major medical lobbying group that has endorsed him \u2014 that he would not pursue such a system as governor, according to a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kqed.org\/news\/12082059\/xavier-becerra-backpedals-on-single-payer-as-he-woos-powerful-doctors-lobby\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.kqed.org\/news\/12082059\/xavier-becerra-backpedals-on-single-payer-as-he-woos-powerful-doctors-lobby\">KQED report<\/a>. When pressed about the reversal, Becerra dismissed the reports as \u201cinaccurate\u201d and reaffirmed his support for Medicare for all.<\/p>\n<p>Former congresswoman Katie Porter, who is polling near the bottom of the Democratic pack, repeatedly asked Becerra for a direct answer about whether he would endorse a state-based single-payer system for California. He dodged the question and instead emphasized his goal of providing \u201ceveryone with something like Medicare for all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In response, Porter pointed out that simply covering everyone with some form of healthcare does not equate to single-payer or even federal Medicare for all, and she criticized Becerra for not clarifying his stance on a California-specific single-payer plan.<\/p>\n<p>The focus on Becerra underscores his surge to the top of the crowded race. Once stuck in the low single digits in a sprawling field that at one point included 60 candidates, he has surged in polls in recent weeks. His ascent followed the abrupt exit of former Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who dropped out of the race last month amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSecretary Becerra was mostly able to parry and repel the avalanche of attacks he received across the debate stage,\u201d Jeff Le, political expert and managing principal at 100 Mile Strategies, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. \u201cHis comments and rebuttals were able to defuse criticisms of his HHS secretary tenure and his acceptance of oil campaign money by coming across as even-keeled and nonplussed, creating a sentiment that he could oversee the state and challenge President Trump. Hits on his healthcare stance appeared to be semantic and inside baseball, which may not move an electorate that already has its mail-in ballots and where undecided voters are consolidated.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Veteran political expert Garry South also credited Becerra for handling all the heat directed his way.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4556656\/bickering-and-blaming-trump-dominate-california-gubernatorial-debate\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4556656\">\u2018BICKERING\u2019 AND BLAMING TRUMP DOMINATE CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecerra was under attack from all quarters, some of them total cheap shots, and from fellow Democrats who should be ashamed of themselves, unbelievably parroting certain Trump fake talking points,\u201d he told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. \u201cBut Becerra handled the pressure quite well, and did it with grace and poise. He was really the only one on the stage who actually looked and acted like a governor.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Becerra and his rivals will face off again Wednesday night. That debate will be hosted by NBC Los Angeles. Before the main event, it will feature a one-hour Los Angeles mayoral debate between Mayor Karen Bass (D), LA City Council member Nithya Raman (D), and reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who has called out Bass and Raman as part of what he believes is a failed status quo.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Candidates targeting Xavier Becerra in Tuesday CNN debate suggest he\u2019s the frontrunner to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2646,"featured_media":2599585,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26126081468207.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[24665,4045,79226,39547,5894],"class_list":["post-2599584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-becerra","tag-california","tag-election-forecasting","tag-governors-race","tag-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26126081468207.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2599584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2646"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2599584"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2599584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2599588,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2599584\/revisions\/2599588"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2599585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2599584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2599584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2599584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}