The race for governor in California is shaping up as a contest between the authenticity of the Democratic campaign and a perception that voters are merely being prompted to endorse the current political establishment.
Republican Steve Hilton has asserted that Xavier Becerra is “hiding” from the electorate and is relying on his party’s backing instead of presenting a compelling case for his candidacy, which he articulated during an event recently in West Sacramento.
“Xavier Becerra is not running for governor. He is waiting to be handed the job,” Hilton contended, accusing Becerra of simply coasting and treating the governor’s position as if it were a well-deserved retirement gift.
Hilton, claiming to have traveled to all 58 counties in California as part of his campaign, made these remarks at the White Cactus Event Hall in Sacramento.
He expressed concern that while California faces significant challenges, Becerra appears to be acting as if the governorship is already his for the taking.
“He will be nothing but a figurehead and rubber stamp for the same old cronies who have ruined our state,” Hilton remarked.
Hilton’s critiques come at a time when Becerra is enjoying a significant lead in polling.
A recent UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey indicated Becerra holds a 25-point lead over Hilton, an increase from 18 points in August. In this poll of 4,512 registered voters, 9% remained undecided.
“Becerra thinks he’s owed this job just because he was chosen as a useful puppet by the Sacramento machine,” Hilton asserted during the rally. “I’ve lost track of the number of Democratic politicians and powerbrokers who have told me that Becerra was selected specifically because he’s an empty suit that they can control.”
This tension plays out in a state that hasn’t seen a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure, which lasted from November 2003 to January 2011.
There has only been one televised general-election debate between the candidates, occurring on September 30 at CNN’s studios in Burbank. This was the only scheduled discussion before the November 3 election.
Adding to the controversy, Becerra did not attend a separate event this week, leading to accusations that he was “dodging” a debate hosted by the Los Angeles Times. His campaign asserted there was never a formal commitment to participate.
“I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve heard the phrase, ‘We invited Xavier Becerra to join us but because of a scheduling conflict he wasn’t able to be with us today,’” Hilton commented, emphasizing his absence. “What’s the conflict? He doesn’t seem to have anything on his calendar.”
Hilton also challenged Becerra’s statements about his heritage. During the CNN debate, Becerra noted, “My parents came to California with $12 in their pocket,” and has referred to himself as the “son of immigrants.” Hilton has since accused Becerra of “immigrant stolen valor,” questioning the truthfulness of his narrative based on genealogy records that indicate Becerra’s father was born in Sacramento, thus a U.S. citizen by birth. These claims remain as allegations.
Additionally, Hilton criticized Becerra’s tenure as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, citing reported conflicts with officials from the past administration.
In his broader narrative, Hilton took aim at the Democratic establishment in California, pointing out issues like the high cost of living, homelessness, the rise of artificial intelligence, and preparations for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.
