Becerra Roasted for Deflecting on California Housing Debate

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is facing scrutiny for his response to a question about his stance on California's housing debate. During an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, reporters pressed Becerra to identify himself as either a YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) or a NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) supporter. Instead of taking a clear position, Becerra offered a philosophical remark.

"There’s some people who don’t have a backyard at all, and who never get to engage in that YIMBY-NIMBY debate," Becerra stated, a response that some interpreted as an evasion. The exchange led one Chronicle editor to comment that journalists had "tried to get him to say literally anything substantive."

The terms YIMBY and NIMBY represent opposing viewpoints in California's housing discussions. NIMBY advocates typically oppose new housing developments in their neighborhoods, while YIMBY supporters advocate for increased construction to address the state's housing shortage.

Becerra's response prompted varied reactions. Housing advocate Toby Muresianu sarcastically remarked, "Finally, a politician with the courage to say ‘Maybe in my backyard?’ What is a backyard anyway, really?" Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt criticized Becerra, calling him "zero charisma, zero clue, zero campaigning" and suggesting his candidacy was an insult to Democratic voters.

Others questioned whether Becerra understood the metaphorical nature of the "backyard" reference or debated whether his statement indicated support for or opposition to development. Becerra's campaign website outlines his commitment to declaring a housing shortage state of emergency via executive order and prioritizing housing production, while also pledging to "keep communities intact as we build."

This approach to policy specifics has been a recurring theme in Becerra's campaign. He previously told CalMatters that his cautiousness stems from a political lesson learned in 1993 as a freshman congressman. After initially opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement, he ultimately voted for it based on assurances of labor protections, assurances he later felt did not prevent American jobs from being displaced.

Becerra has stated his preference not to make "inflated promises," opting instead to "run on my record." However, his reluctance to detail his plans on housing, a critical issue for Californians, has provided ammunition for critics. Despite this, recent polling indicates Becerra holds a double-digit lead over Republican challenger Steve Hilton in California.