Exclusive | Xavier Becerras palace intrigue: Dem insiders scramble for jobs before elections even over

Xavier Becerra hasn’t won the California governor’s race yet — but Sacramento political insiders are already scrambling for seats in his expected administration.Acolytes of Gov.Gavin Newsom, labor heavyweights and longtime Becerra loyalists are circling the secretive Democrat’s prospective administration, with competing camps jockeying for jobs and influence before voters deliver their verdict in November, sources tell The California Post.For veterans of Newsom’s political operation, the transition offers a chance to maintain their foothold in state government after their boss leaves Sacramento for a likely presidential campaign in 2028.

For Becerra’s longtime allies — a group that has been whittled by a federal corruption scandal — the question of who gets a seat at the table is just as pressing.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story “This is a hot mess,” one Democratic political operative with knowledge of the situation told The California Post.“We’re all trying to find where the center of gravity is in Xavierland.”Among the prominent figures bridging the two worlds is Nicole Elliott, Newsom’s former cannabis regulator, who is leading Becerra’s transition planning, according to sources.Lindsey Cobia, a veteran of Newsom’s political operation, and labor strategist Courtni Pugh are also names to watch that were mentioned by multiple insiders tracking discussions, as both have key roles in Becerra’s political operations.Few voices may hold more sway on top appointments than longtime Becerra aide Liz Saldivar, who held the role of district director when he was a congressman and later became his external affairs director while Becerra was California attorney general.Saldivar also has a close relationship with Becerra’s wife, Dr.

Car...