Xavier Becerra Faces Pushback from Biden-Era Colleagues in California Governor Race

Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has emerged as a leading candidate in California’s crowded gubernatorial election, leveraging his decades of public service experience as a central campaign theme. However, his rise in the polls has triggered significant criticism from former colleagues within the Biden administration. These critics challenge Becerra’s narrative of competent crisis management, specifically pointing to his tenure at HHS. Former officials argue that he lacked sufficient grasp of the agency’s complex bureaucracy during critical moments, contradicting his campaign assertion that voters need an experienced leader who does not require on-the-job training. This internal pushback presents a substantial obstacle for Becerra as he attempts to convince Californians that he is best suited to manage the nation's most populous state. The controversy highlights a divide between his self-portrayal as a seasoned executive and the assessments of those who worked closely with him in Washington, turning his federal record into a focal point of attack in the final stretch of the turbulent race.