A prominent political consulting firm linked to Governor Gavin Newsom is channeling union funds into Xavier Becerra’s campaign for governor. Becerra, once considered a long shot, has emerged as a front-runner despite recent turbulence from a scandal involving a former aide.
BearStar Strategies, a veteran consultant for Newsom, is heading the independent spending committee that backs Becerra’s campaign. Their support is a significant boost for a candidate who was struggling in the polls until very recently.
The committee, named “Working Families for Healthy Communities Supporting Becerra for Governor 2026,” hasn’t disclosed its contributions yet. Still, it has initial financial backing from organizations like the California Workforce Council and the California Primary Care Association. It was also mentioned by Politico.
Based in San Francisco, BearStar Strategies has played a crucial role in Newsom’s political journey, including supporting his campaign and countering a 2021 recall effort.
Becerra’s campaign has also brought aboard top Newsom advisors, Lindsey Cobia and Courtney Pugh, as senior campaign advisors, which suggests a strong connection to Newsom’s circle.
Describing himself as a straightforward Democrat, Becerra claims to have leadership experience. However, some critics see him as part of a convoluted political landscape in Sacramento, especially after last year’s corruption scandal came to light.
Sean McCluskey, a former aide to Becerra, has pleaded guilty to being involved in a scheme that defrauded Becerra’s dormant campaign account of $225,000 to pay for personal expenses, including a non-existent job for McCluskey’s wife.
In addition, Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, is reportedly facing charges for misappropriating funds for lavish vacations and luxury items and is in discussions with federal prosecutors about a plea agreement.
Mike Trujillo, a Democratic consultant engaged with rival Antonio Villaraigosa’s campaign, noted the extent of Becerra’s name appearing in the investigation, suggesting it has come up countless times in their evidence collection.
Becerra has denied any involvement in the alleged corruption.
Following Eric Swalwell’s resignation from Congress amid allegations of sexual misconduct—putting an abrupt end to his own gubernatorial bid—Becerra has seen his campaign gain traction. Recent polling indicates a notable rise in his approval ratings, suggesting that more than $3 million has flowed into his campaign just in the past couple of weeks.
Within a similar timeframe, Becerra’s numbers reportedly jumped from the low single digits to around 24 percent, raising the potential for him to advance in California’s unique top-two primary system.
An EMC Research poll from this month shows Becerra in a tie for first with Republican candidate Steve Hilton.
Despite the shifting dynamics, Newsom has remained neutral, openly skeptical about the crowded Democratic field vying for his position. He confirmed he intends to support a Democrat in the upcoming election but has indicated a lack of interest in the current succession race.
