California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has faced accusations of maintaining a low public profile and evading debates since winning the state’s primary election in June. His Republican challenger, Steve Hilton, claims Becerra has ignored at least eight debate invitations.
Hilton told The California Post that Becerra's campaign has cited scheduling conflicts for avoiding debates. "He can’t have a scheduling conflict for everything," Hilton said. He characterized Becerra's approach as "either asleep, gone on vacation or is absolutely terrified of answering any questions."
Becerra, who has held positions ranging from state legislator to U.S. health secretary, is considered the favorite in the race due to a significant Democratic voter registration advantage in California. However, Hilton described Becerra's strategy as an insult to voters.
Reports indicate that Becerra's campaign website was outdated following the primary, and his public schedule has primarily featured private fundraisers and elite gatherings rather than public rallies. The San Francisco Standard noted the website's lack of recent updates, listing only four press releases since late June. Hilton has also criticized Becerra’s career, stating, “It’s exactly what you expect from a 36-year career politician who has failed at every job he’s had.” Hilton also recalled comments allegedly made by former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, referring to Becerra as “bitch-ass Becerra.”
One incident cited involved Becerra leaving a Capitol press conference early and evading reporters' questions. He has since promised to debate Hilton more than once before Election Day but has not yet announced specific dates or locations.
This strategy has raised questions among some California Democrats and interest groups. Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, noted Becerra’s absence from discussions on wildfire liability reform, telling Politico, “I have not heard at all about his preference on this deal, which is really unusual because he’s the one that’s [likely] stuck with the results.” Becerra eventually released an opaque statement after the deal collapsed, saying, “Californians deserve a system that puts victims first and delivers real support and lasting change.”
A spokesman for Becerra's campaign, Jonathan Underland, disputed the claim that Becerra is refusing to debate. "The characterization that he is ‘refusing’ to debate is simply inaccurate. Secretary Becerra has committed multiple times to debates, including on Aug. 5,” Underland stated, referencing the date Becerra reportedly avoided reporters. Underland added that debate negotiations with multiple networks are ongoing and an announcement regarding the schedule will be made soon.
Underland also pushed back against the notion of Becerra disappearing, asserting that the candidate has participated in open press events across California and visited over 34 cities since the primary. The campaign states that its website has been updated and that Becerra engages with voters through social media. A review of Becerra's posts on X (formerly Twitter) shows mixed engagement. One post from September 2, 2026, stating his commitment to California and working families, received over 400 likes and 700 comments.
Hilton dismissed Becerra's social media posts as "full of platitudes" and expressed doubt that Becerra would agree to debates before November. "Everything he puts out on social media is full of platitudes. He’s full of s—," Hilton said.
Despite the criticism, a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted in August for the Los Angeles Times showed Becerra leading Hilton 55% to 37%. Underland called the suggestion that Becerra is relying on this lead "absurd," arguing that "Campaigning isn’t about saying anything to grab a headline — it’s about showing up and meeting voters where they are." He did, however, acknowledge the voter registration advantage as a "political reality."