During a contentious California gubernatorial primary debate on Tuesday, former Biden Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra faced significant criticism from both Democratic and Republican opponents regarding his past leadership. Candidates attacked Becerra over allegations of mismanagement during his tenure at HHS, specifically concerning the handling of unaccompanied migrant children, a controversy that included a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times investigation into relaxed safeguards. He was also targeted over a corruption case involving his former chief of staff, Sean McCluskie, and broader claims of fraud and higher healthcare costs. Becerra defended his record, characterizing the attacks as politically motivated and "MAGA talking points," while highlighting his accomplishments in expanding healthcare coverage and lowering drug prices.