Union Support Pours in for Xavier Becerra from Gavin Newsom’s Circle

In a decisive move that may reshape the political landscape, a prominent political firm closely associated with Governor Gavin Newsom is channeling union funds into Xavier Becerra’s gubernatorial campaign. This strategic maneuver is propelling Becerra to the forefront of the race, even as he navigates the challenging waters of a Sacramento controversy linked to a former aide.

Bearstar Strategies, a firm with a longstanding relationship with Newsom, is spearheading an independent expenditure committee designed to bolster Becerra’s campaign. This initiative significantly enhances the campaign’s financial resources, offering a substantial boost to a candidate who was trailing in the polls just days earlier.

Known as “Working Families for Healthy Communities Supporting Becerra for Governor 2026,” this spending committee has yet to disclose any donations. However, initial funding is reportedly secured from influential groups like the California State Council of Laborers and the California Primary Care Association Advocates, according to Politico.

Based in San Francisco, Bearstar Strategies has been instrumental in Newsom’s political successes, including his initial election as governor and the subsequent defense against a recall attempt in 2021. Their involvement in Becerra’s campaign underscores the high stakes and strategic alliances at play.

In addition, Becerra’s campaign has enlisted the expertise of top Newsom advisors Lindsey Cobia and Courtni Pugh. Both have extensive experience working alongside the governor and will serve as senior advisors, bringing their strategic acumen to the campaign.

Becerra, who formerly served as Health and Human Services Secretary, positions himself as a steady Democrat with a wealth of leadership experience. Nonetheless, opponents frame him as entrenched in the political entanglements of Sacramento, highlighted by last year’s corruption scandal.

Becerra’s former top aide, Sean McCluskie, pled guilty to his role in an alleged scheme to grift $225,000 from the politician’s dormant campaign account to pay for lifestyle expenses, including a no-show job for McCluskie’s wife.

Dana Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, was also charged with skimming thousands to pay for vacations and luxury bags and is reportedly discussing a possible plea deal with federal prosecutors, per KCRA.

“Let’s be absolutely clear, the FBI has a file on Xavier Becerra. In their wiretaps of Becerra’s campaign manager Dana Williamson and Xavier’s chief of staff,” Democratic consultant Mike Trujillo, who’s backing rival Antoniio Villaragosa’s campaign for governor, wrote on X.

“How many times does Xavier Becerra’s name appear in their evidence collection process. 5,000 times?” he added.

Becerra has denied any knowledge of the alleged corruption scheme.

Becerra’s formerly longshot campaign got a major boost from the dramatic departure of Eric Swalwell, who resigned from Congress and ended his governor bid after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment.

The longtime California poll said Friday he’d raised more than $3 million in the past two weeks.

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In a matter of days, the former Health and Human Services secretary’s popularity shot from single digits to as high as 24% in some polls — raising the likelihood that Becerra could advance to the general election under California’s top-two “jungle primary” system.

Becerra was tied with Republican Steve Hilton for first place, according to one EMC Research survey conducted this month.

Newsom has stubbornly refused to make an endorsement in the governor’s race, often sounding blase about the crowded Democratic field.

He claimed he wasn’t paying attention to the race to succeed him in March, but indicated this month he would support “a Democrat” in the election.