Beloved SF Mexican restaurant hosts Newsom power lunch

A major political milestone in California may have just happened at a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. 

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Gov. Gavin Newsom met this week with his likely replacement, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra, at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant for the first time since Becerra won this month’s primary election. Becerra is expected to win November’s general election because of California’s Democratic majority.

The two lawmakers chatted over a mid-morning meal Wednesday at the Richmond District restaurant, a beloved family-owned San Francisco institution. 

They discussed ideas about healthcare, the housing crisis, growing the economy, supporting small businesses, protecting reproductive freedom and defending democracy against President Donald Trump.

Julio Bermejo, the restaurant’s current owner, confirmed the meal to SFGATE but was unable to share more details about what the two dined on. KCRA-TV political reporter Ashley Zavala said on X that the two did not drink any margaritas at the restaurant, which is famous for its tequila selection. 

Bermejo’s parents Elmy and Tomas opened Tommy’s Restaurant 61 years ago, and the restaurant has become a fixture in the neighborhood. The family also has its own political associations: Elmy Bermejo worked for Newsom’s office between 2019 and 2022, and Newsom appointed her as the director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate in 2025. Bermejo was also previously an advisor to Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.

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Becerra, a former state attorney general and the health and human services secretary under the Biden administration, received about 28% of the vote in the June 2 primary. This November, he will face off against Republican Steve Hilton, who garnered almost 25% of the vote. 

Both Newsom and Becerra announced the meetup on X, expressing excitement to work alongside each other. Newsom endorsed Becerra after his win. 

The race included eight major candidates, including six Democrats. Newsom did not endorse any candidate for governor leading up to the June primary.