Xavier Becerra’s campaign has paid his daughter, Clarisa Reyes-Becerra, more than $17,000 since July 1 to work as deputy policy director, the Sacramento Bee reported. She volunteered during the primary and became a paid staffer sometime after the June 2 election, according to the campaign spokesperson quoted by the Bee. Her campaign position is separate from reports that she may be considered for a future administration job.
What the campaign role involves
The Bee reported that Reyes-Becerra meets with stakeholders on subjects including health care and wildfires, helps prepare campaign communications, and briefs her father and campaign staff. Campaign finance records reviewed by the outlet show about $4,300 in travel reimbursements since April 19. Reyes-Becerra studied at Stanford and Columbia Law School and most recently worked as managing attorney at the California Immigration Project, after working with nonprofits serving Central Valley immigrants and farmworkers, the Bee reported.
A campaign reshaped during the primary
Courtni Pugh joined Becerra’s campaign shortly after former Rep. Eric Swalwell left the race, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The Chronicle said Becerra’s support rose after Swalwell’s departure amid sexual assault allegations, alongside a run of campaign advertising. The article also described Pugh as a veteran Democratic operative.
Becerra entered the governor’s race in April 2025 after serving in the Biden Cabinet, as California attorney general, in Congress and in the state Assembly, according to the Chronicle. California voters are due to cast final ballots on November 3; the outcome remains unresolved.
Transition speculation and the corruption case
Reports about possible senior appointments remain speculative. The New York Post, citing unnamed political sources, said discussions had touched on leadership and cabinet roles and that some Sacramento insiders were concerned Becerra could draw on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team. No appointments have been confirmed; the Post quoted campaign spokesperson Jonathan Underland saying the campaign was focused on winning the election.
Public input on appointments
The California Senate Rules Committee says the public may submit written testimony on governor appointments, providing a public-input channel in the appointment process. The committee page does not identify which senior executive-branch posts require Senate confirmation or describe their authority.
The uncertainty around a possible administration comes as Becerra’s campaign has faced questions about a dormant campaign account. His former chief of staff Sean McCluskie and former campaign adviser Dana Williamson pleaded guilty in a scheme involving about $225,000 from the account, the CalMatters reported. Prosecutors said the money was routed through businesses and partly disguised as pay for McCluskie’s wife for a job she did not perform. Prosecutors considered Becerra a victim, and he has not been charged. CalMatters reported that opponents used Williamson’s case to question his judgment and fitness for office.
Becerra has also discussed policy priorities publicly. In an interview with Politico, he said he wanted to make California more affordable and health care universally accessible; the outlet reported proposals including freezing insurance rates, providing a block of free electricity and identifying housing projects ready to move forward.
