Leading Dem California governor candidate breaks with Left on key policy

Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services secretary who leads polling ahead of the June 2 primary to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, declined to endorse the state’s target for phasing out new gas and hybrid vehicle purchases by 2035, according to New York Post.

Becerra told a POLITICO survey that California should make the transition from gas-powered vehicles only when practical conditions are met. California should transition when infrastructure and affordability are there for California families, he stated in his response.

The comments signal a deliberate pivot toward pragmatism on climate policy as cost-of-living concerns dominate voter priorities across the state. Becerra elaborated that California’s fossil fuel transition depends on variables beyond state control, including federal support, cooperation from automakers, and the state’s fiscal situation.

Becerra warned against unrealistic promises, noting that anyone claiming to have precise answers on these unpredictable factors is offering inflated commitments. He emphasized the need to avoid fantasy-based policymaking.

Sharp Contrast With Newsom’s Climate Legacy

The stance puts Becerra at odds with one of Newsom’s signature policies. The 2020 mandate required regulators to strengthen emissions standards and accelerate California’s electric vehicle transition.

Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta told POLITICO that Becerra appears to be creating flexibility on affordability questions, recognizing that many Californians cannot immediately afford electric vehicle purchases under a strict gas car phase-out.

Newsom himself reaffirmed his commitment to the 2035 target after the Trump administration eliminated the federal $7,500 EV tax credit. The outgoing governor pledged California would not allow what he called illegal action by Trump and Republicans to derail clean air policies.

Climate Activists Attack From the Left

Becerra’s position has drawn fire from billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, his Democratic primary opponent. Steyer has branded his rival as “Big Oil Becerra” while criticizing his acceptance of oil industry campaign contributions.

A Steyer campaign spokesperson stated that the billionaire activist remains committed to California’s climate goals and would work to overcome obstacles to the 2035 target. Steyer has promised to triple the state’s EV tax credit if elected governor, claiming this would make electric vehicles affordable for working and middle-class families.

Clean transportation advocates have expressed alarm that backing away from California’s EV targets could increase pollution and damage the state’s reputation as a climate leader.

Dan Sperling, director emeritus of UC Davis’ Institute of Transportation Studies and a former California Air Resources Board member, called Becerra’s stance disconcerting and disappointing.

Reality Check on Climate Goals

Some observers believe Becerra’s concerns reflect genuine implementation challenges facing California’s next governor, regardless of party ambitions.

Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California state director for the Environmental Defense Fund, acknowledged that setting goals represents the easiest step. The difficult work involves securing funding, crafting workable policies, and building coalitions to achieve targets—responsibilities that will fall to whoever wins the governorship.

The debate highlights growing tension within the Democratic Party between ambitious climate commitments and practical concerns about affordability and implementation timelines. Becerra’s willingness to question the 2035 mandate suggests awareness that California voters increasingly prioritize economic realities alongside environmental goals.

With information from New York Post