In a notable shift, Xavier Becerra, the Democratic front-runner for California governor, has eased his previously strong support for a single-payer healthcare system. This adjustment comes as he seeks endorsements from influential groups, including the California Medical Association (CMA), which officially backed him on April 28, 2026.

As a long-time advocate for government-run healthcare, Becerra faced pointed questions from CMA members regarding his position on single-payer during a private meeting. Dr. René Bravo, CMA president, reported that Becerra expressed that he was currently prioritizing other issues over single payer, stating, “He said very clearly that, at this point, he wasn’t supportive of single payer.”

California's attempts to implement a single-payer system have repeatedly faltered, with past analyses estimating the annual cost could exceed €391 billion, necessitating new taxation on residents and businesses.

Ahead of his recent shift, Becerra had touted his historical support for single-payer, highlighting a video from his congressional testimony in 1994 where he stated, “healthcare is a right, not a privilege.” Yet his recent communications have painted a different picture. Jonathan Underland, a spokesperson, articulated that while a single-payer system is an admirable goal, it is not feasible under the current administration, especially given the cuts to Medi-Cal proposed by President Trump.

During a meeting with the CMA, Becerra emphasized the need to address funding losses from H.R.1, a tax bill expected to have significant implications for California's safety net programs. He conveyed that the immediate focus should be on mitigating the effects of these funding losses rather than pursuing single-payer at this time.

Democratic Assemblymember Ash Kalra noted Becerra’s previous roadmap for implementing a single-payer system but has since endorsed Tom Steyer for governor, seeking a candidate with a clear commitment to advancing this policy.

As Becerra navigates his gubernatorial campaign, his evolving stance on single-payer healthcare illustrates the complexities and pressures faced by candidates in addressing both progressive goals and the concerns of influential lobbying groups.