Xavier Becerra Bolsters Team in Preparation for June Primary

With the backdrop of the Eric Swalwell scandal giving a boost to his popularity, one gubernatorial candidate is strategically enhancing his campaign by bringing in seasoned allies of Governor Gavin Newsom and influential figures. As the countdown to California’s crucial jungle primary in June ticks down to just 35 days, Xavier Becerra is intensifying his campaign efforts. His aim is to secure a spot in the November election, where he’ll face off against Trump-backed Steve Hilton and the Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, according to Politico’s California Playbook.

Becerra, who previously served as Health and Human Services Secretary under the Biden administration, has strategically brought on board Lindsey Cobia and Courtni Pugh as senior political advisers. Both are notable political consultants with close ties to Governor Newsom, having worked with him since 2015 and 2021, respectively.

Lindsey Cobia, a seasoned Democratic strategist in California, held the position of deputy chief of staff for Newsom from 2019 to 2023. She is often referred to as Newsom’s “Swiss Army knife,” adept at managing strategy, scheduling, and key decision-making processes.

On the other hand, Courtni Pugh, although a more recent addition to Newsom’s team, boasts an impressive resume working with high-profile candidates such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and local political figures like Mayor Karen Bass.

In addition, Becerra’s campaign has enlisted the expertise of Lamont Digital and Aisle 518, the same firms that were instrumental in orchestrating Newsom’s successful social media and digital fundraising initiatives. This move signifies a robust effort to strengthen Becerra’s digital presence and voter outreach in the lead-up to the primary.

The two firms that helped power Newsom’s social media and digital fundraising efforts — Lamont Digital and Aisle 518 — have also joined the Becerra camp.

Others among Becerra’s hires, Playbook reported, include Jonathan Underland as senior communications director and Danny Fierro as organizing director. Vanessa Carr, Nicole Serrano and Jacob Jauregui have also joined the Democrat’s team.

Swalwell was the leading Democratic contender until he exited the race amid multiple allegations of sexual assault and rape, as well as a Department of Justice investigation.

He has denied the accusations. Allegations from four former staffers surfaced, effectively ending his campaign and political ambitions and ultimately leading to his resignation from Congress.

A new survey conducted between April 14 and April 18 among 800 likely primary voters shows Becerra jumping to 15% support — an 11-point surge from just 4% earlier this month.

The new staff additions join longtime core staff who have been with him since the campaign’s early days, including general consultant Kyle Layman, communications adviser Michael Bustamante, campaign manager Emma Harris, press secretary Sara Lee and digital director Harrison Morgan.

Senior political adviser Liz Saldivar previously worked with him in Congress and at the state attorney general’s office, while deputy campaign manager Cynthia Palafox and political director Robbie Abelon have also been part of his circle since his earlier public service roles.

The Democrats seem to be split among Becerra and Steyer, with the former US representative losing a key endorsement from affluent San Francisco activist Susie Tompkins Buell.

“I have been in and around politics long enough to know that power and money reveal character,” Buell, the megadonor, told Playbook. “That is why I am with Tom Steyer.”

Newsom has not yet endorsed a candidate and has maintained his distance from the race, which will determine his successor.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters