Overview
- Xavier Becerra, recorded in a KTLA setup clip Tuesday, asked if the segment was a “gotcha piece” and requested “not only tough questions,” drawing attention to how he handles press scrutiny.
- Former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas declined to endorse Becerra at a Politico event, saying he is agnostic about the race, a notable silence from a onetime Cabinet colleague.
- Recent surveys show Becerra leading the Democratic field and often tied with Republican Steve Hilton, including polling that places Hilton at 22% and Becerra at 20% in one measure and both candidates tied in others.
- An HHS inspector general audit from February 2024 found lapses on Becerra’s watch with unaccompanied children, including missed well-being calls for 22% of cases, missing proof of sponsor safety checks in 16%, and releases to adults before fingerprint and abuse registry results in 19%.
- California’s top-two primary advances the two highest vote-getters regardless of party, and the crowded Democratic field has raised concerns about splitting votes as the June contest nears.