California Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra Challenges KTLA Reporter Over Interview Tone

Xavier Becerra, the Democratic front-runner in the race for California governor, raised concerns about the tone of his upcoming interview with KTLA ahead of the taping this week.

During the pre-interview exchange, Becerra questioned KTLA 5 reporter Annie Rose Ramos about the nature of the segment, asserting it should be a profile rather than a 'gotcha piece.'

"By the way, this is a profile piece. This is not a gotcha piece, right?"

Becerra asked after cameras began recording.

Ramos responded by emphasizing the purpose of the interview. "Well, look, I think these questions are fair. It’s in order to learn about you as a candidate," she said.

Becerra clarified his expectations: "So long as it’s about the profile."

Ramos countered, "I don’t know how you define profile, but I’d like to begin the interview."

He elaborated: "The way I describe profile is you talk about all the things that I’ve done, things I want to do, and along with some tough questions. But not only tough questions."

An awkward moment ensued as the interview began. @CaliforniaICP provided a full report.

When Ramos was later asked by KTLA morning anchors about Becerra’s 'gotcha piece' comment, she admitted being caught off guard. She noted that other candidates she interviewed—Tom Steyer (D) and Chad Bianco (R)—did not make similar remarks.

During the interview, Ramos pressed Becerra on his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden from 2021 to 2025. She referenced a 2023 New York Times report stating his department had lost track of 85,000 migrant children who were under its monitoring.

"Are those talking points from Donald Trump?"

Becerra asked in response.

Ramos clarified the source was the New York Times.

Becerra also faced scrutiny over comments he made during a gubernatorial debate on News Nation regarding former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s alleged sexual misconduct. Becerra acknowledged hearing rumors about Swalwell’s behavior while Swalwell chaired the Democratic Caucus.

Swalwell, once a frontrunner in the race, withdrew from the gubernatorial contest and resigned from Congress amid the scandal. He now faces multiple investigations into sexual misconduct allegations in Los Angeles, Manhattan, and at the U.S. Department of Justice.