Becerra rival demands FBI grill him again over $225K campaign cash scandal

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton wants the FBI to re-interview rival Xavier Becerra in a federal corruption case linked to the alleged theft of $225,000 from Becerra’s campaign account.In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S.Attorney for the Eastern District of California Eric Grant dated Aug.

30, Hilton demanded that Becerra be questioned again after three figures close to him were federally indicted in November 2025 and have since pleaded guilty.The case centers on money allegedly funneled from Becerra’s dormant campaign account through a consulting firm run by Dana Williamson, Gov.Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, and ultimately to the wife of Sean McCluskie, Becerra’s longtime aide and former chief of staff.McCluskie, Williamson and Sacramento lobbyist Greg Campbell have all pleaded guilty.Hilton and California attorney general candidate Michael Gates argue that evidence developed since Becerra’s initial interview raises questions about what he knew.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Hilton told the California Post that Becerra needs to be pressed about his knowledge of the payments.“He needs to be put under oath and asked very direct questions about every aspect of this,” Hilton said, adding that Becerra should not be allowed to “get away with vague answers.”Hilton said he believes Becerra was not the focus when federal investigators previously interviewed him because the investigation had centered on other people.“But since that, he is now a candidate for governor, and when you look at the things that he’s been saying, it’s completely inconsistent with the evidence,” Hilton said.“He’s given two separate answers in television interviews.

On one occasion, h...