Xavier Becerra Faces Cost Challenges in California Gubernatorial Campaign

California gubernatorial candidate and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has stated that the state may need to reassess its Medicaid program in light of rising costs, which are partly attributed to undocumented individuals using the system. Becerra, a Democrat and former attorney general of California, shared his views in a recent interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles.

Examining the Medi-Cal Program

Becerra expressed his belief in an eventual expansion of Medi-Cal to include undocumented immigrants. He stated, “I believe we should eventually get there.” However, he quickly noted the fiscal responsibilities tied to such decisions.

When asked whether California could afford such expansions, Becerra remarked, “That’s where a governor has to decide… If we can’t afford it, we have to be realistic. If we can’t afford it, how do we do it?” These statements underscore the complexity of fiscal management amid rising healthcare demands.

Budget Constraints and Financial Reality

During his comments, Becerra addressed the financial scrutiny required for the Medi-Cal program. He emphasized the importance of having a balanced budget, stating, “California needs a balanced budget. You scrub it. If you find a way, you do it and don’t delay. But if you scrub it and you can’t figure out how to do it, then that’s the reality and that’s the choices we have.” This reflects the deep fiscal challenges facing California’s healthcare system.

Recent evaluations revealed that the Medi-Cal program’s costs have ballooned to an estimated $9.5 billion this fiscal year, up from an initial projection of $6 billion. This has led the governor’s office to request two separate loans totaling $6.2 billion.

Governor Newsom’s Perspective on Fiscal Choices

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and will leave office in January 2027, acknowledged the issue but noted that illegal immigrants are not the sole reason for the rising costs. He stated, “That’s partial,” referring to the multifaceted nature of the budgetary challenges.

According to Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon, the administration plans to explore methods to curb long-term spending within the Medi-Cal program, while still safeguarding vital health and social services for Californians. Gardon emphasized that the rising costs are not unique to California but have also been observed in other states that exclude undocumented immigrants from such programs.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

The financial landscape surrounding Medi-Cal has drawn staunch opposition from Republican leaders. Critics argue that allowing undocumented immigrants to enroll in the program runs the risk of overwhelming the healthcare system. When addressing this point, California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones highlighted the previous administration’s hesitance to broaden Medi-Cal eligibility for undocumented individuals.

Jones tweeted, “Even Jerry Brown refused to expand Medi-Cal to all illegal immigrants because he knew it was fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable.” He criticized the current administration, stating, “Now under Newsom, legal residents are paying the price both financially and in reduced access to healthcare. The public deserves answers: Why are the costs so much higher than what Newsom promised? What is Newsom’s plan to fix the financial disaster he created?” This sentiment reflects the growing discontent among taxpayers regarding California’s fiscal direction.

Current Political Landscape for the 2026 Gubernatorial Race

The political environment leading up to the 2026 California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be highly competitive. Becerra’s candidacy joins a crowded Democratic field that includes former Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. Furthermore, there are rumors about former Vice President Kamala Harris potentially reentering the political arena with a gubernatorial run after her recent presidential campaign.

On the Republican side, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco has declared his candidacy, and additional candidates are anticipated to emerge. This diverse pool of candidates indicates that voters will have a variety of choices as they head to the polls.

Navigating the Challenges Ahead

As the gubernatorial campaign progresses, Becerra and other candidates will need to address the intersection of healthcare, immigration, and fiscal responsibility. The potential for escalating costs associated with Medi-Cal and other programs remains a pressing issue for California’s future. How candidates respond to these challenges could significantly influence their chances of winning in the upcoming election.

Ultimately, voters are looking for candidates who can offer pragmatic solutions to the state’s financial dilemmas while ensuring that necessary health services remain accessible to residents. The continued dialogue surrounding costs, spending, and program eligibility signifies a critical point of consideration as California grapples with its budgetary realities.