California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has adopted a strategy of media avoidance in the lead-up to the November election, drawing criticism from his Republican challenger, Steve Hilton.
Becerra, the Democratic frontrunner, has not been available for open-forum media questioning for approximately two months, with his last availability for reporters noted on June 9. This approach has led to accusations from opponents that his campaign is relying on California's strong Democratic registration advantage to secure victory without undergoing traditional scrutiny.
On a recent Wednesday, Becerra attended a press conference on voting rights at the state Capitol but departed quickly, heading toward a waiting vehicle as reporters attempted to ask him questions. When asked by The California Post about his tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), he did not respond. He did confirm, however, that he would participate in a debate with Steve Hilton, though details regarding when, where, or how many debates would occur remain unconfirmed by his campaign.
Republican challenger Steve Hilton criticized Becerra's campaign strategy. "It's actually unbelievable to me that Becerra seems to be running this race — if running is the word — in such a lazy, arrogant and entitled manner," Hilton stated. He further commented, "He’s acting like the next man up for the top job in a Soviet politburo. He’s just the latest puppet to be installed by the machine without bothering to even go through even the pretense of actual democracy."
California Democrats hold a significant registration advantage, with nearly 10.4 million registered voters compared to approximately 5.8 million Republicans as of the primary election. Becerra secured the most votes in the June primary with about 28%, followed by Hilton with roughly 25%. No Republican has won a California gubernatorial election since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
Hilton contends that Becerra is leveraging this advantage to avoid accountability. "He’s literally running away from questions from reporters. He’s running away from a debate with me," Hilton said. "But he can’t run away from his terrible record in his growing migrant kids abuse scandal."
Becerra's record has faced renewed scrutiny regarding his handling of unaccompanied migrant children during his time leading HHS. A senior federal official indicated that approximately 330,000 cases involving children released during Becerra's tenure remain unresolved. Another HHS official stated that over 40 child migrants processed by the agency have died since arriving in the U.S., with many experiencing sexual trafficking or forced labor.
Additionally, Becerra's political circle has been linked to a corruption scandal. Dana Williamson, a former campaign operative for Becerra, pleaded guilty to charges including bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Williamson admitted to facilitating a scheme where $225,000 was allegedly funneled from a campaign committee tied to Becerra into the personal bank account of his former chief of staff through sham consulting contracts. Becerra has stated he had no knowledge of this scheme and was not accused or charged in the matter.
Becerra also faced public ridicule last month for comments made to Latino leaders, suggesting that visitors seeking authentic street tacos should patronize street vendors rather than established, tax-paying restaurants.
Becerra's campaign stated that he will attend an event in Sacramento on Tuesday hosted by Politico. A spokesperson for the campaign remarked, "While Trump’s lapdog is busy chasing cars, the press corps will have plenty of time to speak with Secretary Becerra as he crisscrosses the state, hearing directly from Californians about their greatest challenges and his plan to solve them together."