Xavier Becerra Hired Daughter for Campaign Staff
Campaign records reveal payments totaling over $17,000 to the candidate's daughter for her policy work.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
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Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra has hired his daughter, Clarisa Reyes-Becerra, as a paid senior staffer for his California campaign. She serves as the deputy policy director, shaping messaging on healthcare and wildfire recovery.
Why it matters
The hire highlights the integration of family members into political operations, with campaign finance records documenting payments for her professional services.
Campaign finance records show total compensation of $17,000 paid to Clarisa Reyes-Becerra. An additional $4,300 was issued for travel reimbursements.
The players
Xavier Becerra
He is a former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services currently running a gubernatorial campaign in California.
Clarisa Reyes-Becerra
She serves as the deputy policy director for the campaign and is the vice chair of the First 5 Monterey County commission.
The details
Reyes-Becerra transitioned from a volunteer role to a paid deputy policy director position following the primary election. She is responsible for preparing staff on policy matters and shaping the campaign messaging.
Timeline
Reyes-Becerra transitioned to a paid campaign role during the 2026 primary election period.
Market Landscape
This move reflects the ongoing trend of candidates appointing family members to central roles within their political organizations. It shifts the campaign hierarchy by positioning a family member to manage primary policy messaging and staff operations.
The hiring of a family member for a paid position impacts how voters view the campaign's internal structure and resource allocation. Residents can track further developments in staff roles and campaign expenditures through official finance filings.
The takeaway
Transparency in campaign staffing and spending is a central aspect of public accountability for state candidates. Voters are encouraged to review available finance records to understand how campaign funds are utilized throughout the election cycle.
Further reading
For more background on influential figures in the state, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Internewscast Journal.
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