California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has increased his campaign activity in the closing weeks before the November election, yet his approach remains more measured compared to Republican contender Steve Hilton’s highly visible campaign tour across the state. Becerra, a former long-serving member of Congress and currently U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, had faced criticism for a subdued public presence and limited participation in debates. His campaign has acknowledged a quieter profile but emphasized efforts to engage voters through less conspicuous channels.
Throughout October, Becerra has appeared at multiple community events in cities including Santa Clarita, Glendale, Sacramento, and Santa Rosa, focusing on key issues such as affordable housing, healthcare accessibility, and economic challenges faced by Californians. These appearances have often occurred with limited media coverage, prompting some observers to note a contrast between his strategy and Hilton’s more aggressive visibility. Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and political strategist originally from the United Kingdom, criticized Becerra for what he described as complacency and reliance on political establishment support. Hilton highlighted his own extensive schedule of public events—reportedly holding 14 in late September to Becerra’s single CNN debate—accusing the Democrat of taking voters for granted.
Becerra’s campaign disputes these characterizations, stressing ongoing voter outreach and participation in events hosted by community organizations. At a recent news conference in Los Angeles alongside Latino leaders and actor Eugenio Derbez, Becerra called for high turnout amid concerns about voter intimidation tied to the Trump administration's policies. Supporters, such as Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, have commended Becerra’s efforts to build bipartisan relationships and position himself for effective governance.
Financially, Becerra maintains a lead with campaign fundraising totaling approximately $40.5 million, surpassing Hilton’s reported $29 million. Political analysts suggest Becerra’s cautious approach may reflect a calculated effort to minimize public missteps while consolidating support within California’s predominantly Democratic electorate. Despite pressure to engage in more debates, Becerra has so far accepted only one face-off against Hilton, making additional debate appearances unlikely as the election nears.
Most experts view Becerra as the front-runner with a strong chance to become California’s next governor. However, some highlight the importance of improving his public visibility in the campaign’s final stretch to reinforce voter confidence and momentum. Meanwhile, Hilton continues to campaign aggressively, positioning himself as a sharp contrast to what he calls Becerra’s “smug” and “entitled” style, emphasizing the importance of active engagement with voters across the state.