Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is facing growing criticism from former Biden administration officials as he emerges as one of the leading candidates in California’s 2026 governor race.
According to a Politico interview, several former staffers who worked in Joe Biden’s administration questioned Becerra’s leadership abilities and performance during his time overseeing the Department of Health and Human Services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The criticism comes as Becerra gains momentum in early polling ahead of California’s June primary election. While California Governor Gavin Newsom has not publicly endorsed a successor, reports indicate that Becerra is viewed as a preferred candidate within Newsom’s political circle.
Newsom Clarifies He Has Not Endorsed Any Candidate
California Governor Gavin Newsom has not endorsed any candidate in the state’s 2026 governor race, according to a statement sent exclusively to The Kenya Times by his communications director, Izzy Gardon, following reports suggesting that former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was Newsom’s preferred successor.
The clarification came after headlines described Becerra as Newsom’s “pick” or “favorite” in the closely watched race. Newsom’s office pushed back on that characterization, saying the governor believes multiple Democrats are qualified to run and has intentionally stayed out of the contest.
“The Governor does not have a ‘pick’ in the California Governor’s race and has not endorsed,” Newsom’s communications director told The Kenya Times exclusively. “He thinks there are multiple qualified candidates in this race, and he has been quite clear that he does not intend to weigh in barring the likelihood of a Democratic candidate lockout.”
Former Biden Staffers Criticize Becerra’s Leadership
In anonymous interviews cited by Politico, former administration officials described Becerra as ineffective during moments of crisis and questioned whether he is prepared to lead the nation’s largest state.
One former staffer said Becerra struggled to manage one of the federal government’s most important agencies during the height of the pandemic. Another claimed he often appeared unprepared during meetings with Biden.
“He would go to brief the president and was not prepared at all,” one former official told Politico, adding that Biden would ask questions that Becerra could not answer clearly.
Other former colleagues acknowledged that Becerra was an experienced politician but argued that his strengths did not translate well into executive leadership.
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The attacks have gained attention partly because they are coming from individuals who previously served within the same Democratic administration.
Becerra Maintains Strong Position in Polls
Despite the criticism, Becerra remains one of the strongest candidates in the California governor’s race.
A late-April EMC Research poll showed Becerra leading with 24% support among likely voters. Republican candidate Steve Hilton followed closely behind with 23%, while billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer received 15%.
Another poll conducted for the California Is Not For Sale PAC showed Becerra tied with Hilton at 19%.
Becerra has also benefited from his long political career in California. Before serving in Biden’s Cabinet, he represented California in Congress and later became the state’s attorney general after being appointed by former Governor Jerry Brown.
Still, questions remain about the level of support he has from national Democratic leaders. Biden has not endorsed anyone in the California governor race, even as he has publicly supported several former administration officials seeking office elsewhere.
Some former staffers cited the lack of endorsement as a sign of concern within Democratic circles.
Allies Defend Becerra Against Criticism
Becerra’s supporters have pushed back against the criticism, arguing that anonymous attacks from former staffers do not reflect his full record in public office.
Former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain defended Becerra in comments to Politico, describing him as one of the administration’s most effective Cabinet members.
Klain said Becerra helped advance key parts of the Biden administration’s healthcare agenda and maintained a strong working relationship with senior officials throughout his tenure.
Some allies also argued that the criticism is politically motivated as the California governor’s race becomes more competitive.
Also Read: Mounting Pressure for Gavin Newsom as Another Democrat Reveals Plan to Run for President
Becerra’s campaign has not issued a detailed public response to the comments from former administration officials.
Why This Matters
The growing criticism surrounding Becerra could shape the direction of California’s governor’s race at a time when Democrats are trying to maintain control of one of the country’s most influential states.
California has long played a major role in national politics, and the next governor is expected to influence Democratic policy debates during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The backlash also exposes divisions within Democratic circles over leadership, electability, and how candidates are judged based on their records in federal office.
