[3][8] During the selection process, an anonymous letter accused Becton of plagiarism in her written application for the District Attorney position.

[13] In the June 2018 primary election, Becton won a majority of the vote, winning the contest outright and pre-empting a November runoff.

[14] Becton's campaign received support from a consortium of social justice groups, Democratic activists, and wealthy funders including George Soros.

[18][19] On July 7, 2020, Becton charged two residents of Contra Costa with a hate crime for allegedly defacing a Black Lives Matter mural.

Becton's office declined repeated requests to offer any explanation for their refusal to uphold the law in this case, issuing only the following typograhic-error-ridden statement: "Bicycle fatalities are devastating events.

Following through [sic] review of the investigation, the Office of the District Attorney has determined that there is insufficient evidence to satisfy the requisite standard of criminal negligence on the part of the suspect driver.

"[23] [24] [25] [26] In the June 2022 election, Becton secured a majority of the vote and won re-election, defeating opponent Mary Knox.

Columnist Mark Z. Babarak wrote that Becton successfully campaigned on both public safety and criminal justice reform.

[28] In July 2019, Chief Deputy District Attorney Phyllis Redmond resigned, citing disagreements in management style.

[31][32] In February 2020, four women deputy district attorneys sued Becton in federal court for gender and age discrimination, alleging they were demoted and passed up for promotions.

[36][37] Becton received criticism for hosting an outdoor wedding at her home in August 2020, when the county had placed restrictions on gatherings to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.