Xavier Becerra, the California gubernatorial candidate, is bolstering his campaign with key advisors including Lindsey Cobia and Courtni Pugh, two political consultants who have worked with Gavin Newsom since 2015 and 2021. Cobia, who served as deputy chief of staff to Newsom from 2019 to 2023, is described as his “Swiss Army knife” for handling strategy, scheduling and decisions. Pugh has worked with Newsom on social media and digital fundraising efforts. Other notable hires include Jonathan Underland as senior communications director and Danny Fierro as organizing director. A survey conducted among 800 likely primary voters shows Becerara's support increasing by an 11-point surge from 4% earlier this month.