Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra Announces Transition Team

Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra has revealed the team responsible for managing his transition into office as he prepares for his inauguration in early January. The team features many of his former advisers and individuals who have held roles in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration.

“This transition has one job: to ensure my administration is ready to deliver on day one,” Becerra stated. He emphasized the goal of making California affordable and demonstrating tangible results in residents’ lives. He expressed the urgency in building a sustainable California while protecting what is invaluable.

Liz Saldivar, a long-time aide to Becerra, will head the transition efforts. Saldivar has been a campaign adviser and supported Becerra during his tenure in Congress and as the state attorney general.

Key senior advisers to the transition team include Lindsey Cobia and Kyle Layman. Cobia, previously part of the Newsom administration, currently manages the Campaign for Democracy PAC. Layman is a Democratic strategist who joined Becerra’s campaign from its early stages.

Arsenio Mataka will direct policy planning for the transition team. Mataka has past experience advising Becerra on environmental policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and California Department of Justice. He also served under Jerry Brown’s administration and worked recently as a deputy at the Bay Area Air District.

Nicole Elliott, who has provided policy advice to Becerra’s campaign, will take on the role of agency review director. Previously, she assisted Newsom with cannabis policy before leading the state Department of Cannabis Control in 2021. Elliott’s career with Newsom began in 2009 during his time as San Francisco’s mayor. Her husband, Jason Elliott, is a well-known advisor to Newsom.

Managing external affairs for the transition are Courtni Pugh and Kenneth Maxey II. Pugh is a Democratic strategist closely aligned with Newsom, and Maxey serves as the president of the Urban League of San Francisco Bay Area.

Becerra successfully defeated Republican candidate Steve Hilton in the election held on November 3. He is set to be inaugurated on January 4, 2027.