Steve Hilton demands FBI re-interview Xavier Becerra over campaign fund scandal

California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is calling on federal authorities to re-interview his political rival, Xavier Becerra, regarding a corruption probe involving $225,000 from Becerra’s former campaign account.

In a letter sent August 30 to Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Eric Grant, Hilton requested that investigators press Becerra under oath. The request follows the November 2025 federal indictments and subsequent guilty pleas of three individuals connected to the case: Sean McCluskie, a longtime aide to Becerra; Dana Williamson, a former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom; and lobbyist Greg Campbell.

The investigation centers on allegations that funds were funneled from Becerra’s dormant campaign account through a consulting firm operated by Williamson to the wife of McCluskie. Hilton and attorney general candidate Michael Gates argue that new evidence uncovered since Becerra’s initial interview suggests his previous statements may be inconsistent with the facts of the case.