Report says California gubernatorial contender Xavier Becerra has a private personnel circle, with allies competing for post-election roles

California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has not been declared the winner, but a New York Post report says Sacramento-area political operatives are already lining up for roles in a potential Becerra administration, describing a relatively closed inner group that is shaping personnel conversations before election results are final.

According to the Oct. 22 report, some Democrats involved in the transition discussions are positioning themselves for senior jobs in areas such as communications, policy planning, and major state agencies. The report characterizes the process as occurring behind closed doors, with would-be appointees seeking access and visibility among people described as part of Becerra’s trusted circle.

The report also depicts political insiders as competing for “plum gigs,” framing the early attention as a practical response to the short timeline that typically follows a statewide election in California. It says the jockeying is happening even as vote counting continues and the outcome remains unresolved.

While the report focuses on internal party movement, the underlying stakes are administrative and regulatory. Staffing a governor’s office and senior departmental posts can affect how California handles budgeting priorities, enforcement decisions, and the pace of implementation for policies adopted by the Legislature, particularly in areas that require agency rulemaking and operational coordination.

In California, the governor’s office plays a central role in setting the agenda for state agencies and appointing leaders, including top department positions that oversee regulation and program delivery. The pace and composition of that leadership can influence how quickly agencies move on orders, implementing guidance, and administrative processes that affect costs for regulated industries and compliance burdens for local governments.

The New York Post report does not cite a public list of confirmed appointments or formal onboarding steps. It presents the described inner circle and early personnel conversations as Democratic insider activity tied to expectations of Becerra winning, rather than an official announcement of post-election roles.

With the election outcome not established in the supplied reporting, the next concrete step for any personnel changes will come from whatever formal action follows certification. Until then, the described conversations remain prospective, and any appointments would be subject to the governor-elect’s authority and, where applicable, confirmation processes required for particular posts.