Governor-elect Xavier Becerra announced his transition team in Sacramento as he prepares to assume office in early January. The team includes several of his former advisers and individuals associated with Governor Gavin Newsom. Becerra highlighted the team’s purpose: “This transition has one job: to ensure my administration is ready to deliver on day one.” He emphasized his commitment to making California affordable and improving citizens’ daily lives.
Liz Saldivar, a longtime aide to Becerra, will lead the transition. Saldivar has worked with Becerra during his congressional tenure and as the state’s attorney general. Lindsey Cobia, an experienced Newsom administration member, and Kyle Layman, a seasoned Democratic operative, will serve as senior advisers.
Arsenio Mataka, another former aide, will direct the policy aspect of the transition. Mataka has experience advising Becerra on environmental policy at both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the California Department of Justice. He also previously held a deputy position at the Bay Area Air District.
Nicole Elliott will be the agency review director, following her role in advising Becerra’s campaign on policy. Elliott has extensive experience with Governor Newsom, starting in 2009 when she worked for him as the mayor of San Francisco. She later led the state Department of Cannabis Control.
Handling external affairs are Democratic strategist Courtni Pugh and Kenneth Maxey II, president of the Urban League of San Francisco Bay Area. Becerra defeated Republican Steve Hilton in the November 3 election and will be inaugurated on January 4, 2027.
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