Xavier Becerra, former HHS Secretary, has taken the lead in the race for California Governor, surprising many of his former Biden administration colleagues and political analysts. Critics have pointed to his troubled record during his time in office, particularly in the context of a recent gubernatorial debate where he faced scrutiny for his performance. Despite this backlash, Becerra has held town hall meetings and emphasized his affordability agenda, attempting to solidify his status as a front-runner. However, ex-White House officials have fueled negative narratives about him, claiming his scandal-plagued past raises concerns over his leadership capabilities. As the race intensifies, many are questioning whether Becerra can overcome the skepticism from both party insiders and voters as he strives for the governorship.