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NewsNY Post PoliticsMay 1, 2026United States

Allies of Governor Newsom Back Xavier Becerra’s 2026 Gubernatorial Bid

Political consultants linked to Governor Gavin Newsom are organizing an independent expenditure committee to support Xavier Becerra’s campaign for governor. This development follows a surge in Becerra's polling numbers and comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding a past corruption scandal involving his former staff.

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Read the full story at NY Post Politics

Why It Matters

The involvement of Newsom's top political advisors and union-backed funding shifts the dynamics of the 2026 California gubernatorial race, potentially impacting which candidates advance from the state's top-two primary system.

Key Facts

  • Bearstar Strategies is leading an independent expenditure committee to support Xavier Becerra's 2026 gubernatorial campaign.
  • The committee, 'Working Families for Healthy Communities Supporting Becerra for Governor 2026,' has received initial funding from the California State Council of Laborers and the California Primary Care Association Advocates.
  • Becerra has hired Lindsey Cobia and Courtni Pugh, both former advisors to Governor Newsom, as senior campaign advisors.
  • Becerra's polling numbers have increased from single digits to as high as 24% in recent surveys.
  • Becerra is currently tied with Republican Steve Hilton for first place in at least one EMC Research survey.
  • Sean McCluskie, Becerra's former top aide, pled guilty to a scheme involving the misappropriation of $225,000 from a dormant campaign account.
  • Dana Williamson, Newsom's former chief of staff, is reportedly in plea deal discussions regarding charges of skimming campaign funds.
  • Eric Swalwell withdrew from the gubernatorial race following allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
  • Governor Newsom has not officially endorsed any candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Who's Mentioned

organizationBearstar Strategies“Political consulting firm tied to Governor Newsom leading an independent expendi”personEric Swalwell“Former gubernatorial candidate who resigned from Congress.”personSteve Hilton“Republican candidate for governor.”personDana Williamson“Former chief of staff to Newsom, currently facing charges related to a corruptio”organizationCalifornia State Council of Laborers“Initial funder of the expenditure committee.”personSean McCluskie“Becerra's former aide who pled guilty to a campaign finance scheme.”personXavier Becerra“Candidate for Governor of California and former Health and Human Services secret”organizationCalifornia Primary Care Association Advocates“Initial funder of the expenditure committee.”personGavin Newsom“Current Governor of California who has not endorsed a successor.”organizationWorking Families for Healthy Communities Supporting Becerra for Governor 2026“Independent expenditure committee supporting Becerra's campaign.”