California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is facing renewed scrutiny over his past campaign finances as he continues his bid for governor, with critics raising questions about his oversight following an alleged fraud case tied to his former staff, as reported by The New York Post.

In an interview with KCRA published Sunday, the former Health and Human Services secretary was asked how he would ensure taxpayer funds are protected if elected governor. Becerra responded with a lengthy answer highlighting his previous record in public office but did not directly address concerns about financial oversight.

“When it came time to COVID, take a look at how we were able to get those vaccines — 700 million of those vaccines by the time we were able to finish our four years in tenure,” Becerra said. “Never once did we have to ask Americans to pay one penny.”

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He also referenced his time as California’s attorney general, stating, “Take a look at the work I did to protect our state at a time when Donald Trump was president the first time and was coming at our state.”

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“If people want to see what I do, how I do it, whether I can be accountable, I’d say, take a look at that record,” he added.

However, his record has come under examination following allegations that funds were improperly taken from a dormant campaign account associated with Becerra.

According to the report, Dana Williamson, along with lobbyist Greg Campbell and longtime aide Sean McCluskie, were involved in a scheme that allegedly diverted $225,000 between February 2022 and September 2024.

Authorities allege the funds were distributed in monthly payments of $10,000 and routed through multiple business entities. The payments were reportedly labeled as compensation for a position that did not exist.

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Williamson, who had worked on Becerra’s 2018 attorney general campaign, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Campbell and McCluskie have pleaded guilty in connection with the case.

Becerra said in the interview that he had been misled, describing his reaction as a “gut punch.” When asked why the recurring payments did not raise concerns, he said that multiple campaign attorneys did not flag the transactions.

He also stated that he was not directly managing the campaign account at the time because of his role as HHS secretary, which required him to maintain political neutrality. Becerra added that the payments themselves were legal, but the issue involved how the funds were ultimately used.

The controversy has drawn attention from other candidates in the race. In a separate interview with CNN, Becerra addressed questions about his judgment in trusting McCluskie, saying, “People make mistakes.”

Becerra’s standing in the race has shifted in recent weeks. While he had been polling in the single digits, his position improved after former congressman Eric Swalwell exited the race following allegations. Becerra has since emerged as one of the leading Democratic candidates.

Support from allies of Gavin Newsom has also been reported, with some viewing Becerra as a potential candidate to consolidate support.

When asked during the KCRA interview to evaluate Newsom’s performance as governor, Becerra initially indicated he would provide a grade but later said, “I don’t know if I can give him a grade.” During a debate held the previous Wednesday, he gave Newsom an “A” specifically for efforts related to homelessness.

The race for California governor continues to develop as candidates face increased scrutiny over their records and positions.

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