Xavier Becerra embraces 'competence' message as CA governor's race tightens

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- With one week until California's primary election, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is embracing a closing message centered on experience, competence and stability as the race tightens in the final stretch.

ABC7 Eyewitness News caught up with the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Tuesday between campaign stops in San Francisco, where Becerra acknowledged the momentum his campaign has gained in recent weeks after months of lagging behind better-funded opponents.

"It's all about building at the right time. And we think we're building at the right time. People are paying attention," Becerra told ABC7.

Recent polling suggests California's governor's race has become a competitive three-way contest heading into the June primary. Becerra is polling roughly between 19% and 22% among likely voters, essentially tied with Republican businessman Steve Hilton, while Democrat Tom Steyer remains within striking distance.

The former California attorney general said his coalition is made up of voters frustrated by rising costs and looking for tested leadership.

"I think the coalition is built off of people who really want to make a difference, who are tired of just seeing the cost of living grow," Becerra said. "They want someone who knows how to fight, someone who's been there, has the experience and can win."

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Becerra has increasingly leaned into that experience argument on the campaign trail, particularly as analysts and commentators have framed him as a more conventional or steady choice in the race.

"You know, competence is cool," Becerra said. "Having experience is hot."

"I think people want to have some predictability," he added. "They want to know that you could actually deliver the goods. And this is not a time, especially with the attacks from Washington, D.C., to have someone who needs training wheels the moment they enter the governor's office."

The comments come as Becerra faces criticism from opponents over campaign contributions from Chevron and questions about how aggressively he would regulate the oil industry if elected governor.
"I took on the oil industry as attorney general. The record speaks for itself," he said.

Becerra pivoted to take aim at his opponent Tom Steyer, who has spent more than $166 million of his own money on the campaign.

"I'm not going to try to buy the office," he said. "I'm going to earn it."

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Housing remains one of the top issues for California voters, and Becerra said he would prioritize accelerating housing construction and funding affordable housing projects already awaiting final financing.

"There are 40,000 affordable housing units that are ready to go," Becerra said. "They're just missing one thing - the last bit of funding that they need."

When asked what single issue he would fix immediately if given a "magic wand," Becerra pointed to California's notoriously slow permitting process.

"As a former construction worker, I will tell you, it is crazy to hear that it takes longer to go through the bureaucratic process to get the permit to build a house than the time it actually takes for a construction worker to build that house," he said.

Becerra also reiterated his support for "Medicare for All," while arguing California should continue expanding coverage incrementally in the meantime.

As the campaign enters its final week, Becerra is betting California voters ultimately want experience navigating crises - and a candidate who can project steadiness amid economic anxiety and political turbulence.

"I think I'm proving that not only do I know how to fight," Becerra said, "but I know how to win."