Becerra’s Rise, Political “Fleas,” and the California Governor’s Race

By Dr. Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

As California voters cast ballots in one of the most crowded gubernatorial contests in recent memory, another political storm has landed at the feet of former Health and  Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra — a man who only months ago was struggling to gain traction but now finds himself rising toward the front of the Democratic pack. The federal plea agreement involving longtime Democratic operative Dana Williamson has suddenly placed an uncomfortable spotlight around Becerra’s political orbit.

Williamson, once considered one of Sacramento’s most connected insiders and a trusted political advisor to both Becerra and Governor Gavin Newsom, admitted to charges connected to a scheme involving campaign funds tied to a dormant Becerra account. Federal prosecutors allege the operation siphoned money to enrich former Becerra aide Sean McCluskie through fraudulent financial maneuvers. Neither Becerra nor Newsom have been charged with wrongdoing. But politics is often less about legal guilt and more about public perception.

And perception matters.

There is an old saying passed down through generations: “Lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” In politics, those “fleas” can become public distrust, unanswered questions, and lingering doubts that follow candidates all the way to Election Day. For voters already weary of scandal, corruption, insider deals, and political elites appearing disconnected from everyday Californians struggling with inflation, crime, housing costs, insurance crises, and homelessness, this story lands at the worst possible moment for Becerra’s campaign. The timing is politically brutal.Becerra’s rise in the polls has already surprised many political observers.

With more than 20 names floating across the California ballot, his emergence from the middle or bottom tier into front-runner territory seemed to signal that Democratic insiders and institutional support were consolidating behind a familiar name with national experience.

But now voters are left asking an uncomfortable question:

What else is waiting to surface?

California politics has entered an era where political baggage no longer stays hidden for long. Congressman Eric Swalwell has faced repeated scrutiny over past controversies and personal associations. Across the political spectrum, candidates now live under constant public examination, amplified by social media, independent journalism, leaked documents, and federal investigations. In this environment, political loyalty can quickly become political liability.

The Williamson case also revives concerns many Californians already have about entrenched political networks operating behind the scenes while ordinary residents struggle to survive economically. Luxury handbags, private jet travel, Mexico vacations, home improvements, and alleged fake jobs for relatives paint an image that feels worlds away from working-class Californians trying to keep their lights on and pay rent. Fair or unfair, voters often connect the people around a candidate to the judgment of the candidate himself. That is the political danger now confronting Becerra.

Still, California politics has always been unpredictable theater. This election season increasingly resembles the unforgettable circus atmosphere of the 2003 recall race that elevated Arnold Schwarzenegger to the governor’s mansion. Back then, the ballot became a national spectacle filled with celebrities, activists, entertainers, and political hopefuls — including figures like Gary Coleman and Angelyne — all seeking relevance, visibility, or a political miracle.

Many thought they had a chance.

But in the end, one candidate rose above the chaos through celebrity power, timing, and voter frustration. Now the question becomes whether Becerra can survive a similar storm of controversy and still emerge as the candidate Democratic voters trust most to lead California. Will voters separate him from the actions of his former allies? Will they see him as another seasoned public servant unfairly caught near the misconduct of others? Or will this scandal plant enough seeds of doubt to damage his momentum before the runoff?

That answer will not come from political consultants, donors, or Sacramento insiders.

It will come from the people. And in today’s political climate, public confidence can disappear overnight.

That’s The Southern Truth.