The California gubernatorial race just got significantly messier. During a CNN debate on Wednesday, Republican candidate Steve Hilton launched a sharp attack on his opponent, Xavier Becerra, by centering his campaign around a leaked nickname—"Bitch–ass Becerra." The moniker reportedly originated from former White House adviser Susan Rice during their time together in the Biden administration, though a spokesperson for Rice has categorically denied reports of such friction.
The accusations mount
To keep the drama alive, Hilton’s team launched a website that leans into intense criticism from former colleagues of Becerra. The site alleges a history of ineffective leadership during his time as health secretary and California attorney general. The site also highlights controversial reports—which Becerra’s campaign has called "an outright fabrication"—regarding his treatment of migrant children. Beyond the nickname, the campaign is pinning issues like rising utility costs, fraud, and "gender extremism" directly on Becerra’s previous political track record.
A rocky campaign trail
It’s not just the debate stage where the vibes are off for the Democrat. Becerra recently faced an awkward interview with the San Francisco Standard, where he failed to correct a reporter who consistently misidentified the city’s mayor, Daniel Lurie, as "David." He also left the door open to accepting donations from Purdue Pharma, a company he previously sued, citing a belief in corporate "redemption."
Why it matters
While Becerra held a strong lead in recent polling—60% to Hilton’s 38%—the race is hitting a boiling point. For voters, this means the campaign is shifting away from policy and into a full-blown character battle. With Hilton betting that this new branding will stick, the path to the governor's office might be a lot closer than the numbers suggest.
