California Gubernatorial Candidate Xavier Becerra Faces Questions Over AI-Written Hollywood Policy

Xavier Becerra's 1,600-word Hollywood policy statement on his campaign website faces claims that it was written using artificial intelligence. According to Pangram, an AI detector, the text is entirely AI-generated. Jonathan Underland, a spokesman for Becerra, denied the claim and called AI assessors notoriously inaccurate. Underland stated that the campaign does not use AI to brainstorm or develop policy.

Campaign Strategy

Becerra is currently leading the California gubernatorial race with a 20-point poll lead and a 96 percent chance of victory in prediction markets, though he has avoided making firm commitments on issues like housing, electric vehicles, and AI. At a campaign event in Glendale on Monday, Becerra defended his lack of specific promises. Assemblyman John Harabedian introduced him by describing him as someone who will underpromise and overdeliver. Meanwhile, Republican opponent Steve Hilton has vowed to eliminate the state film incentive cap and include above-the-line costs. Pangram indicated Hilton's policy was also likely written by AI, and Hilton's campaign has used AI to create campaign ads with proper state-mandated disclosure.

Film Incentives

If elected, Becerra will face immediate pressure to expand California's film and TV production incentive, which is currently capped at $750 million per year. Attorney General Rob Bonta plans to sponsor a bill to remove the cap entirely, and Burbank Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur supports strengthening the program early next year. Other proposals include covering above-the-line salaries for actors and directors. When asked about eliminating the cap or including above-the-line costs, Becerra remained noncommittal, stating only that he will support anything that helps keep Hollywood in California.

Context

Film production tax incentives are frequently debated by state lawmakers seeking to retain entertainment jobs against competition from other regions. AI detection tools like Pangram analyze text patterns to flag computer-generated writing, though debates continue over their reliability in political contexts.