Xavier Becerra tells interviewer he expects to talk about his accomplishments and plans. (Credit: KTLA)
Democratic candidate for California governorXavier Becerrais drawing criticism for a sit-down interview with local media in which he voiced expectations for a "profile". not a "gotcha" interview.
"By the way, this is a profile piece — this is not a gotcha piece, right?" Becerra asked.
When the reporter indicated Becerra would face at least some challenging inquiries, Becerra doubled down.
JOY REID BLASTS CA DEMS FOR LETTING GOP CONTENDERS TAKE LEAD IN GOVERNOR’S RACE
Former Health. Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, speaks during a roundtable discussion with representatives from Child Guidance Center in Santa Ana on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.(Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
"The way I describe a profile is: You talk about all the things that I’ve done. things that I want to do, along with some tough questions. But not only tough questions," Becerra said.
The moment highlights rising tensions amid a crowded field to replace outgoing California Gov.Gavin Newsom— as well as Becerra’s readiness to defend his image in the final stretches of California’s open primary. where only the top two candidates will advance to the general election.
Becerra, former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, advised PresidentJoe Bidenduring the COVID-19 pandemic from 2021 to 2025.
XAVIER BECERRA PRESSED ON 'RUMORS' HE KNEW ABOUT ERIC SWALWELL'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCT DURING CA GOVERNOR DEBATE
He began his political career as deputyattorney generalof California. would then serve in the California State Assembly from 1990 to 1992. He held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017. then became California attorney general from 2017 to 2021 before being tapped to lead HHS.
Despite his storied career, Becerra’s pre-interview moment drew the attentionof fellow gubernatorial hopefulsonline.
Matt Mahan, Xavier Becerra, Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Tom Steyer. Katie Porter appear during a gubernatorial debate at KRON Studios in San Francisco, California, US, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. California will hold its primary election on June 2. where the top two finishers advance to the general election in November regardless of party affiliation.(Jason Henry/Nexstar/Bloomberg - Pool/Getty Images)
"The media has given Becerra a free pass for so long, but he’s got enough skeletons he’s still afraid," Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff. a Republican candidate, saidin a post to X.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR CANDIDATE WARNS OF 'MAGA-LIKE' STATE MOVEMENT UNLESS DEMS 'WAKE UP'
Some of the criticisms came from fellow Democrats like Matt Mahan, another candidate in the governor's race.
"Fixing the problems Californians are facing isn’t easy —. answering questions about them sure should be," Mahanwrote in a postof his own.
"By the way, part of being governor is answering tough questions," Mahan’scampaign account added.
The moment even drew scrutiny from David Axelrod, the architect behind PresidentBarack Obama's2008 and 2012 campaigns.
David Axelrod speaks on stage during the Election 2024 panel at The Atlantic Festival 2024 in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20, 2024.(Morigi/Getty Images for The Atlantic)
"As HHS [Secretary] during COVID. Becerra was rarely the administration’s point person in communicating to the American people on the pandemic. This may be the reason why,"Axelrod wrote.
The California primary will be held on June 2. The top two candidates will advance to a general election on November 3.
Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.
Discussion
Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.