Becerra dodges tough questions as frontrunner in governor’s race
CalMatters • • nation
Key Points:
- California governor candidate Xavier Becerra faces criticism for his handling of unaccompanied migrant children during his tenure as U.S. Health Secretary, with a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation highlighting failures to prevent child labor and exploitation.
- Becerra dismisses these allegations as politically motivated "MAGA talking points" and avoids detailed discussion, leveraging his lead in polls and fundraising to maintain a confident campaign stance.
- His campaign is also under scrutiny due to a federal fraud case involving payments from his dormant campaign account, though Becerra has not been implicated and is considered a victim by prosecutors.
- Despite criticism from opponents and some Democrats, many Democratic voters view Becerra as a "safe choice" to prevent Republican candidates from advancing in the June primary election.
- An independent 2024 audit confirmed significant lapses in Becerra’s agency’s oversight of migrant children placements, including missed background checks and delayed follow-ups, but Becerra continues to deflect responsibility.