Xavier Becerra California Governor Runoff Sparks Rumors of Gavin Newsom Resigning Mid-Term as Fact-Checkers Find No Evidence of Secret Deal
A viral rumor claiming California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is preparing for a sudden governor runoff due to Governor Gavin Newsom’s alleged secret resignation has exploded across X and TikTok, with users sharing an image of Newsom waving while standing next to a purported “Resignation Letter.” Fact-checkers reveal this is completely fake. No resignation letter exists, Newsom has not announced any intention to step down, and there is no special election or runoff scheduled for Becerra. The viral image is an altered screenshot from a 2020 press conference, and election officials confirm the next California governor race is set for 2026, not a 2024 runoff. The rumor appears to have stemmed from a satirical website but was reposted without context, misleading thousands. Stay tuned for updates.