Becerra Leads California Governor Race as $2.3 Million Surge Blunts Attacks

4 articles · Updated · CalMatters · May 14

Xavier Becerra has kept his edge in California’s governor race by brushing off criticism over his record rather than apologizing, even as rivals press him on migrant children and a campaign-fraud case tied to former aides.
At least $2.3 million has flowed into his campaign since Eric Swalwell dropped out on April 12, and new polling shows Becerra at or near the lead as Democrats coalesce around him as a safer top-two primary choice.
The sharpest attacks center on his tenure as U.S. health secretary: a 2024 HHS inspector general audit found missing safety checks in 16% of sponsor vetting cases and delayed follow-up with children after release.
A separate federal case has added pressure ahead of the June 2 primary, with strategist Dana Williamson due in court over an alleged $10,000-a-month scheme involving Becerra’s dormant campaign account; prosecutors have treated Becerra as a victim, not a target.
With opponents’ attacks failing to dent him, Becerra has largely avoided detailed answers, betting his frontrunner status will carry him through the final stretch.

Could Becerra’s approach to dodging criticism indicate deeper issues in political accountability, or is it a calculated campaign strategy that works?

How might California’s 'top-two' primary system shape the choices and strategies of candidates facing scandals or controversies?

What changes might be needed to prevent future failures in the oversight of unaccompanied migrant children in California and beyond?