As California hurtles toward its June 2026 gubernatorial primary, Xavier Becerra has emerged as a surprising contender among Democrats. Once dismissed as a long-shot after years in Washington, the former congressman, state attorney general, and Biden-era Health and Human Services secretary now finds himself in a dead heat with progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and edging ahead of former Rep. Katie Porter.
His surge came on the heels of Eric Swalwell’s campaign implosion amid serious misconduct allegations. Yet this sudden momentum invites a sharper question: can a politician with a record of bureaucratic missteps and ideological overreach actually lead America’s most populous state?
Becerra’s defenders portray him as a steady “workhorse” who delivered vaccines and navigated crises. Critics, however, see a pattern of weak leadership, indifference to human costs, and a willingness to weaponize government power against conscience and common sense. From mishandled migrant children to campaign finance scandals touching his inner circle, Becerra’s tenure raises serious doubts about his fitness for executive office in a state already reeling from homelessness, crime, and fiscal strain.
- Xavier Becerra surged in recent polls to around 10-13 percent among Democrats following Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal, placing him near the top of the Democratic field but still trailing Republican frontrunners Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco overall.
- During his time as HHS secretary, over 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children lost contact with federal authorities after placement, with many reportedly funneled into exploitative labor situations.
- Becerra faced internal White House criticism for slow responses to the border crisis, including a reported dressing-down from President Biden and grilling by Susan Rice over backlogs.
- His former chief of staff pleaded guilty in a scheme that diverted $225,000 from a dormant Becerra campaign account, part of a broader Sacramento corruption case involving Newsom allies—though Becerra himself faces no charges.
- As California attorney general, Becerra aggressively targeted pro-life pregnancy centers and fought religious exemptions for Catholic nuns and hospitals under Obamacare’s contraceptive mandate.
- Opponents like Antonio Villaraigosa have launched attack sites highlighting Becerra’s involvement in multiple controversies, questioning his oversight and judgment.
- Republican candidates maintain leads in statewide polling, suggesting California voters may be open to change after years of one-party dominance.
Becerra’s time at HHS exposed deep flaws in execution. Sworn in at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained largely invisible during key briefings. Public health experts questioned his handling of the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, where he deflected responsibility onto local officials. On immigration, the picture grew darker.
A New York Times investigation detailed how thousands of unaccompanied minors slipped into dangerous situations, some vanishing entirely from federal tracking. Becerra reportedly pushed staff to process cases “like an assembly line,” even as he acknowledged the children were not mere widgets. Internal accounts describe him lacking the influence to drive policy forward, leaving vulnerable kids exposed while the administration prioritized optics over protection.
The campaign finance scandal adds another layer of concern. Federal prosecutors charged Becerra’s longtime chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, along with associates tied to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orbit, in a conspiracy to siphon funds from a dormant account. McCluskie pleaded guilty to wire and bank fraud. Becerra insists the theft occurred outside his awareness while he served in Washington. Fair enough—no charges landed on him personally. Yet the episode raises legitimate questions about oversight. How does a veteran politician miss years of deception among his closest aides? In a state plagued by waste and fraud in programs like Medi-Cal, voters have every right to demand stronger accountability from the top.
Becerra’s earlier record as California attorney general reveals a consistent ideological bent. He sued the Trump administration to block religious exemptions for the Obamacare contraceptive mandate, effectively targeting groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor—Catholic nuns dedicated to caring for the elderly poor. He also pursued legal action against pro-life pregnancy resource centers, attempting to force them to advertise state-funded abortions in violation of their core mission.
The Supreme Court struck down that compelled-speech scheme in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra. These efforts painted Becerra as more interested in advancing a radical cultural agenda than in protecting pluralism or conscience rights.
Even his defenders struggle to frame these episodes as strengths. One former HHS colleague praised Becerra’s calm demeanor and willingness to consult experts, crediting him with vaccine distribution efforts. Yet effectiveness requires more than steady nerves. It demands results that safeguard life, liberty, and the rule of law—standards California desperately needs after progressive experiments have delivered tent cities, failing schools, and businesses fleeing the state.
Antonio Villaraigosa, another Democratic contender, has not let these issues slide. His campaign launched a website cataloging Becerra’s controversies, accusing him of playing the victim while dodging scrutiny. Becerra’s team fired back, dismissing the effort as desperate. The exchange underscores a deeper truth: in a crowded primary, past performance is fair game, especially when it involves children at risk and public funds misused.
California’s challenges—skyrocketing costs, unchecked migration fallout, and eroded trust in institutions—demand a governor who learns from failure rather than glosses over it. Becerra’s record suggests the opposite: a career marked by deference to federal overreach at home and bureaucratic inertia in Washington.
As the primary nears, California voters face a clear choice. They can reward polished resumes and partisan loyalty, or they can insist on leaders who prioritize protection over ideology. The state’s future may hinge on whether Becerra’s past finally catches up with him.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-16, KJV). Public service bears fruit in tangible outcomes for the vulnerable, not in excuses or ideological victories at others’ expense. Californians would do well to examine those fruits closely before casting their ballots.
- Hand-curated links from conservative and Christian sites — NO legacy media garbage links. Patriots get their news every day at JDRucker.com
For Emergency Preparedness, Don’t Forget the Meds
Being prepared is more than just a good idea—it’s essential. We stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies, but one critical aspect often gets overlooked: access to vital medications. What happens if pharmacies close, prescriptions can’t be filled, or you’re cut off from medical care during an emergency?
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering a reliable solution to ensure you and your family have the medications you need when it matters most.
Jase Medical specializes in emergency preparedness kits designed to provide peace of mind through physician-reviewed, prescription medications delivered right to your door. Their flagship product, the Jase Case, is a comprehensive emergency antibiotic and medication kit priced at $289.95.
This kit includes 10 essential medications—five life-saving antibiotics and five symptom relief meds—that can treat over 50 common infections and illnesses, from urinary tract infections and pneumonia to skin infections and traveler’s diarrhea. With 28 add-on options available, you can customize the kit to fit your specific needs, including a KidCase for children ages 2-11.
The process is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply visit Patriot.tv/meds, complete an online evaluation, and have your order reviewed by a board-certified physician. Once approved, the medications are shipped discreetly from a licensed pharmacy to your U.S. address (with plans for Canada shipping coming soon). Each kit comes with detailed Med Cards outlining symptoms, dosing, and usage, making it easy to administer even in high-stress situations. These medications are shelf-stable and designed for long-term storage, empowering you to handle medical emergencies without relying on external help.
For those on the move, Jase Medical also offers the Jase Go kit for $129.95, a compact travel med kit covering over 30 common conditions encountered during adventures or trips. And for ongoing needs, Jase Daily provides an extended supply of your prescribed chronic medications to safeguard against disruptions in supply chains or extreme weather events.
Don’t just take our word for it—thousands of satisfied customers have given Jase Medical a 4.9-star rating, praising its role in true preparedness. As radio host Glenn Beck warns, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
Whether you’re prepping for a hurricane, a power outage, or simply the uncertainties of daily life, Jase Medical ensures you’re not caught off guard. Head to patriot.tv/meds today to customize and order your emergency kit—because when it comes to your health and safety, it’s better to be prepared than sorry.