Gavin Newsom’s Allies Flood Xavier Becerra’s Campaign with Union Cash
Xavier Becerra, a Democratic candidate for governor, has received a significant boost in his campaign with the help of Gavin Newsom’s top allies. Bearstar Strategies, a political firm closely tied to Governor Newsom, is leading an independent expenditure committee to funnel union cash into Becerra’s campaign. This move has cemented Becerra’s position as the frontrunner in the governor’s race, despite being dogged by a Sacramento scandal involving his former aide.
Bearstar Strategies’ Involvement
Bearstar Strategies, a San Francisco-based firm, has been a clutch player in Newsom’s orbit, helping him get elected governor and fighting the failed effort to recall him in 2021. The firm is now working to support Becerra’s campaign through the independent expenditure committee, “Working Families for Healthy Communities Supporting Becerra for Governor 2026.” Although the committee has not yet reported any contributions, it has received initial funds from the California State Council of Laborers and the California Primary Care Association Advocates.
Newsom’s Advisors Join Becerra’s Campaign
Becerra’s campaign has also tapped top Newsom advisors Lindsey Cobia and Courtni Pugh as senior advisors. This move further solidifies the connection between Becerra and Newsom, with Becerra billing himself as a no-drama Democrat with leadership experience. However, critics have painted him as part of a Sacramento swamp that was exposed in a corruption scandal last year.
Corruption Scandal
Becerra’s former top aide, Sean McCluskie, pled guilty to his role in an alleged scheme to grift $225,000 from the politician’s dormant campaign account to pay for lifestyle expenses. Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, was also charged with skimming thousands to pay for vacations and luxury bags and is reportedly discussing a possible plea deal with federal prosecutors. Becerra has denied any knowledge of the alleged corruption scheme.
Campaign Boost
Becerra’s campaign received a major boost from the dramatic departure of Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress and ended his governor bid after being accused of sexual assault and harassment. Becerra has raised more than $3 million in the past two weeks and has seen his popularity shoot from single digits to as high as 24% in some polls. He is now tied with Republican Steve Hilton for first place, according to one EMC Research survey conducted this month.
Newsom’s Endorsement
Despite the crowded Democratic field, Newsom has stubbornly refused to make an endorsement in the governor’s race. However, he has indicated that he would support “a Democrat” in the election. Becerra’s campaign is likely to continue to receive support from Newsom’s allies, further solidifying his position as the frontrunner in the governor’s race.
The outcome of the election is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the involvement of Newsom’s allies and the influx of union cash have significantly boosted Becerra’s campaign. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how Becerra’s campaign continues to evolve and whether he will be able to maintain his position as the frontrunner.
In conclusion, the 2026 California governor’s race is shaping up to be a highly competitive and dramatic election. With the support of Newsom’s allies and the influx of union cash, Becerra’s campaign has gained significant momentum. However, the corruption scandal and Becerra’s ties to the Sacramento swamp may still pose a challenge to his campaign. As the election approaches, it will be essential to keep a close eye on the developments in the governor’s race.
By examining the latest polls and fundraising numbers, it becomes clear that Becerra’s campaign is gaining traction. The support of Newsom’s allies and the influx of union cash have been instrumental in this success. However, it is crucial to consider the potential implications of the corruption scandal and Becerra’s ties to the Sacramento swamp. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how these factors will impact the outcome of the governor’s race.
The 2026 California governor’s race is a critical election that will shape the future of the state. With the involvement of Newsom’s allies and the influx of union cash, Becerra’s campaign has gained significant momentum. However, it is essential to consider the potential challenges and implications of the corruption scandal and Becerra’s ties to the Sacramento swamp. By examining the latest developments and considering the potential outcomes, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the governor’s race.
Ultimately, the outcome of the 2026 California governor’s race will depend on various factors, including the candidates’ campaigns, the electorate’s preferences, and the overall political landscape. As the election approaches, it will be crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and to consider the potential implications of the election. By doing so, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the governor’s race and to make informed decisions about the future of the state.
As the election draws near, it will be interesting to see how the candidates’ campaigns evolve and how the electorate responds to the various issues and challenges. The 2026 California governor’s race is a critical election that will shape the future of the state, and it is essential to stay informed and engaged throughout the process.
The article has discussed the recent developments in the 2026 California governor’s race, including the involvement of Newsom’s allies and the influx of union cash. By examining the latest polls and fundraising numbers, it becomes clear that Becerra’s campaign is gaining traction. However, it is crucial to consider the potential implications of the corruption scandal and Becerra’s ties to the Sacramento swamp. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how these factors will impact the outcome of the governor’s race.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2026 California governor’s race is a highly competitive and dramatic election. The involvement of Newsom’s allies and the influx of union cash have significantly boosted Becerra’s campaign. However, the corruption scandal and Becerra’s ties to the Sacramento swamp may still pose a challenge to his campaign. As the election approaches, it will be essential to keep a close eye on the developments in the governor’s race and to consider the potential implications of the election. By examining the latest polls and fundraising numbers, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the governor’s race and to make informed decisions about the future of the state.
By staying informed and engaged throughout the process, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the governor’s race and to make informed decisions about the future of the state. The 2026 California governor’s race is a critical election that will shape the future of the state, and it is essential to take an active role in the democratic process.
