The former HHS secretary’s ascent has exposed weaknesses that critics say could follow him into the California governor’s office.

A top California Democratic political aide pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud related to a scheme to steal campaign funds from Becerra when he served as the federal health secretary.

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra faced backlash after asking a reporter if an interview would be a "gotcha piece" before it began.

Becerra shot from single-digit polls to becoming a front-runner in the California governor’s race. Now he’s facing attacks from every direction.

Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra took fire from all sides at the last debate among governor hopefuls before the June primary. He was an easy target considering that his former political consultant was in court earlier Thursday pleading guilty to federal fraud charges.

A complaint submitted to the FPPC accuses Becerra of violating state law by paying his former adviser Dana Williamson, who was arrested by the FBI last fall.

Dana Williamson faces a maximum sentence of 38 years in prison, according to the plea agreement.

The former HHS secretary’s ascent has exposed weaknesses that critics say could follow him into the California governor’s office.