World & Nation | Coded messages, 'red boxing' and other allegations in California's testy race for governor by Seema Mehta AI generated summary, Read the full article for complete information. Xavier Becerra’s 2026 California gubernatorial campaign has drawn attention for posting a “red‑boxed” webpage that outlines attack points against billionaire rival Tom Steyer and suggests messaging for independent‑expenditure committees, a tactic known as “red‑boxing” that lets campaigns signal preferred ads without directly coordinating with Super PACs. Legal experts say the practice skirts campaign‑finance rules that prohibit direct contact with outside spenders, noting that while it can invite fines, candidates often accept the risk in exchange for strategic gains. The move comes as Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has surged in the polls—tying Steyer at 13%—and is now a leading contender to replace term‑limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, prompting scrutiny of both the legality and morality of this increasingly common strategy in high‑stakes elections. Read more: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-01/coded-messages-red-boxing-other-tactics-in-california-race-for-governor #XavierBecerra #TomSteyer #SupremeCourt #DemocraticParty #BigOil