Becerra Defends Low-Promise Governor Bid as Critics Target 2035 Car Ban Wobble
Updated
Updated · The San Diego Union-Tribune · Aug 20
Becerra Defends Low-Promise Governor Bid as Critics Target 2035 Car Ban Wobble
3 articles · Updated · The San Diego Union-Tribune · Aug 20
Summary
Xavier Becerra’s low-key California governor campaign is drawing fire for offering few concrete pledges, even as he says he would rather avoid promises he cannot keep.
That caution has extended to policy: Becerra backed Gavin Newsom’s 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales, then said he could delay it if voters demand, underscoring his effort to keep options open.
His other proposals have also become targets, including free off-peak electricity for low-income households and business taxes to help fund universal healthcare amid federal funding cuts.
The criticism follows a campaign already marked by sparse media access and public stumbles, including remarks about "real" street tacos and a tense exchange with a KTLA reporter.
Becerra has framed the approach as a lesson in achievability over ambition, contrasting himself with Newsom’s unmet promises while betting voters will prefer restraint to overpromising.