Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra faced a barrage of criticism from his rivals during Tuesday's California gubernatorial debate, a clear sign that his recent rise to frontrunner status has made him the target in the crowded race. The debate, hosted by CNN, came just weeks after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual misconduct allegations, shaking up the contest to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Becerra acknowledged the focus on him, quipping toward the end of the debate, “I think everyone’s invoking my name. It’s nice to hear my name.” But the attacks were pointed, with both Democratic and Republican contenders zeroing in on his record as California attorney general and his stance on single-payer health care.
Health Care Becomes Central Flashpoint
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, billionaire Tom Steyer, and former Rep. Katie Porter all pressed Becerra on his support for single-payer health care, often referred to as “Medicare for All.” Mahan accused Becerra of doing “nothing” to lower health care costs or curb “fraudulent and wasteful spending” in California. Becerra shot back, calling the claim “totally untrue” and dismissing it as a “MAGA talking point.”
Steyer noted that the California Medical Association, a powerful group opposed to single-payer, had endorsed Becerra. Becerra retorted by criticizing Steyer’s campaign funding, saying he had “a real short memory span of how this place works.” Porter, who also received the medical association’s endorsement, questioned whether Becerra truly backs single-payer, arguing that covering all Californians “with something is not single-payer.”
Becerra defended his position, saying, “We should try to get to a ‘Medicare For All’ program, and while we are continuing to work in that direction, we should make sure we are expanding coverage.” He added that Californians “don’t care what you call it so long as they have affordable health care.”
GOP Attacks on Attorney General Record
Republican rivals also took aim at Becerra’s tenure as state attorney general, particularly his legal battles against the first Trump administration over immigration policies and disaster response. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Republican Steve Hilton highlighted the indictment of Becerra’s former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Becerra was not named in the case and responded, “If you violate the law, you will be prosecuted. No one is above the law.”
The debate underscored the fractured nature of the Democratic field, with less than a month until California’s June 2 primary. Polling shows Becerra and Steyer jostling for the lead, but the state’s nonpartisan primary system means only the top two vote-getters advance, regardless of party. Recent surveys, including a CBS News/YouGov poll, show Becerra, Steyer, Republican Steve Hilton, and Republican Chad Bianco all in double digits, raising concerns that two Republicans could advance if Democrats fail to consolidate.
Becerra’s rise followed Swalwell’s exit, which also led to key endorsements and a bump in surveys. However, the California Democratic Party has urged struggling candidates to reconsider their bids, as the prospect of a Republican-on-Republican general election looms. For now, Becerra remains the focal point, but the attacks suggest his path to the nomination is far from secure.
