California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing new questions after holding a private meeting with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra at a well-known San Francisco restaurant, fueling fresh political speculation as California’s race for governor begins to take shape.
Newsom shared photos of the meeting Wednesday on X, showing the two Democrats shaking hands before sitting down together inside Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, a family-owned establishment known throughout San Francisco for its Yucatán-style cuisine.
While the location attracted attention, the purpose of the meeting quickly became the focus of discussion online. The photos showed only glasses of water on the table, leaving many wondering whether the gathering was a working meeting, a political strategy session, or simply a public show of unity.
According to Newsom’s office, the two discussed several major issues affecting California, including health care, housing affordability, the economy, support for small businesses, abortion policy, climate initiatives, and the Trump administration. Officials said it was the first meeting between the two since California’s June primary election.
“Focused on the work. Committed to the people,” Newsom wrote while posting photos from the meeting.
Becerra echoed the message, writing that he and Newsom have “fought side by side for California families” and pledged to continue moving California forward together.
The meeting comes at an important moment in California politics. Because Newsom is prohibited from seeking another term due to term limits, Becerra has emerged as the leading Democratic candidate to replace him after advancing from the primary election.
Becerra previously served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under former President Joe Biden and is expected to face Republican Steve Hilton in the general election.
Before the primary election, Newsom repeatedly declined to endorse a candidate in the crowded Democratic field. Once Becerra became the only Democrat to advance, however, the governor quickly threw his support behind his longtime political ally.
The meeting also sparked criticism from California Republicans, who argued it highlighted what they view as political theater instead of leadership focused on solving the state’s biggest problems.
In a post on X, the California Republican Party criticized the gathering as a staged photo opportunity, arguing that Californians are more concerned about rising living costs, housing affordability, public safety, and the state’s economic challenges than carefully choreographed political events.
The criticism comes as many California voters continue to express frustration over the high cost of living, expensive housing market, taxes, and concerns about crime and homelessness. Those issues are expected to dominate the governor’s race and could become defining themes as both parties compete for voters in the months ahead.
With Newsom widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, his public appearance alongside Becerra is likely to draw continued attention from political observers looking for clues about the Democratic Party’s strategy in California and beyond.