Susan Rice tells Steve Hilton to stop using her name against Xavier Becerra

On Oct. 2, 2026, former U.S. national security official Susan Rice used X to publicly back California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra and to ask Republican contender Steve Hilton to stop invoking her name against him.

The exchange underscores a heated rivalry in a tightly contested race, highlighting how personal attacks from former officials can become flashpoints in modern political campaigns and drawing considerable media coverage.

Rice’s post read, “Make no mistake, I support @XavierBecerra for CA Gov. So stop using my name against him,” directly responding to Hilton’s earlier remarks that quoted her describing Becerra as an “idiot” and a “**” during a televised debate on Oct. 1.

Hilton’s October 1 tweet quoted Rice’s criticism, and he followed up on Oct. 3 with a series of messages that emphasized the earlier remarks, stating, “Notice you’re not denying you called Becerra an ‘idiot’ and ‘,’ @AmbassadorRice. I will keep reminding Californians that someone who worked closely alongside Becerra for four years thinks he’s an ‘idiot.’” He also promoted a campaign website titled “Bitch‑ass Becerra,” which featured negative imagery and slogans about the candidate’s record as Health and Human Services secretary.

Rice, who served as director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Biden, had previously characterized Becerra as an “idiot” and a “**” in 2024, according to Axios, but her Oct. 2 statement marks a public reversal, aligning her with Becerra’s campaign despite prior criticisms.

Observers note that the feud may intensify as both campaigns seek to define the narrative ahead of the November election, with further statements from either side likely to shape voter perceptions and media coverage in the final weeks of the race.