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Xavier Becerra Surges in California Governor Race After Swalwell Exit

Following Eric Swalwell's departure, Xavier Becerra is tied or leading polls in California's 2026 gubernatorial race, sparking debate and attacks from rivals.

By Hanna CrosbyCalifornia

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Becerra’s Late Surge in California 2026 Governor’s Race Draws Progressive Fire as Rivals Aim to Halt Momentum

Xavier Becerra has surged into contention in California’s 2026 governor’s race after Eric Swalwell’s exit, rising from low single digits to double digits in polls as progressives and rivals intensify scrutiny ahead of the June 2 top-two primary.

Key takeaways

  • Becerra’s polling jump: He moved from mid-single digits to double digits after Eric Swalwell left, appearing in several surveys that shifted the race dynamic (IBTimes).
  • Progressive backlash: Rivals and activists attack his record at HHS, ties to corporations and past fiscal stances to define him before ballots land (Politico).
  • Debate spotlight: The April 28 Pomona College debate intensified scrutiny, producing heated exchanges and targeted ads from Tom Steyer and Katie Porter (CalMatters; YouTube debate clip).
  • Top-two primary stakes: California’s nonpartisan primary and a large share of undecided voters leave the race fluid ahead of June 2.

Main coverage

Becerra’s surge: what changed

For more than a year, Xavier Becerra ran a steady, if quiet, campaign — launching early with leftover funds from his time as attorney general and emphasizing experience to defend California’s rights during national challenges (CalMatters; Xavier Becerra campaign).

Polls showed Becerra in the mid-single digits until Eric Swalwell’s abrupt April exit reshaped the field. Some undecided voters moved toward him; one Democratic Party poll placed him near 13 percent, while a large Independent Voter Project survey of 3,400 voters put him at roughly 23 percent, at times tying or leading other Democrats in some measures (IBTimes).

Debate spotlight and rival attacks

The April 28 debate at Pomona College thrust Becerra into the spotlight. The televised event was noisy and tense, with interruptions and sharp exchanges among eight candidates. Becerra used the platform to cast himself as a bulwark against national threats and to criticize Republican opponents, saying California needed a governor to “fight Donald Trump, not agree with him.” (IBTimes).

Rivals responded: billionaire donor Tom Steyer targeted Becerra’s HHS tenure with heavy ad buys, while Katie Porter and other progressives pushed for bolder change on healthcare and corporate power (CalMatters).

Progressive backlash: the arguments

Progressive activists and some party leaders are racing to blunt Becerra’s momentum. Their critiques cluster around several themes:

  • Record at HHS: Critics resurrect footage and reporting questioning how Becerra handled the surge of unaccompanied migrant children while leading the Department of Health and Human Services, using those moments to probe his crisis management (Politico; YouTube debate clip).
  • Corporate ties and donations: Progressives point to contributions and relationships with large companies, including Chevron, to portray Becerra as too close to business interests (Politico).
  • Fiscal and policy stances: Critics highlight past opposition to a union-backed billionaire tax and press him on support for single-payer healthcare — a litmus test for many on the left (Politico).

“Democratic leadership likes a governor that is open for business with corporations,” said Amar Shergill, a former chair of the California Democratic Party’s progressive caucus, calling Becerra a “go-along Democrat.”

Campaign defenses and selling experience

Becerra’s campaign emphasizes his decades in public service: legal and legislative experience, record enforcing state laws and federal executive experience at HHS. Campaign messaging stresses actions such as defending California against the federal government during the Trump era and expanding health coverage while pushing for lower drug prices (CalMatters; Xavier Becerra campaign).

The campaign argues steady executive experience is critical for addressing affordability, homelessness and immigration, framing Becerra as a pragmatic leader who delivers policy results rather than symbolic rhetoric.

Race dynamics and the top-two primary

California’s nonpartisan top-two primary means only the top two finishers, regardless of party, advance to November. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, Democrats field a broad slate including Steyer, Porter and Matt Mahan; Republicans include Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. The absence of higher-profile entries such as former Vice President Kamala Harris or Sen. Alex Padilla has left a vacuum and many undecided voters — roughly 26 percent in some reports — as ballots begin landing in mailboxes (CalMatters; IBTimes).

Polling snapshot

Polls vary by methodology. A Democratic Party poll showed Becerra around 13 percent, while the Independent Voter Project survey placed him near 23 percent, sometimes ahead of Republican contenders and tying with other Democrats in certain measures. Analysts caution the race remains unsettled because of high undecided rates and active ad campaigns (IBTimes).

Debates, ads and the fight to define Becerra

Rivals have used debates and ad buys to shape voter perceptions. Steyer’s ads attack Becerra’s HHS record while pushing for tax changes; Porter emphasizes corporate accountability and frames her message around consumer protections. Expect intensified attack-and-response ad cycles leading into the primary (Politico; CalMatters).

Implications for San Diego, California

Economic impact: San Diego voters prioritize housing costs, tech layoffs and the region’s tourism and biotech clusters. A Becerra approach that balances business engagement with worker protections may be seen as predictable by local firms; conversely, progressive proposals such as higher taxes or stringent corporate regulation could influence private investment and hiring (Xavier Becerra campaign; Politico).

Political consequences: San Diego’s mixed electorate could tilt toward a moderate Democrat like Becerra or be energized by a Steyer/Porter progressive surge, affecting turnout and down-ballot races in the June 2 top-two primary (IBTimes).

Social & cultural effects: Border issues, homelessness and public safety are central concerns; Becerra’s HHS record has become a campaign flashpoint that local advocates will watch closely. Progressive cultural appeals — climate action, corporate accountability and expanded public services — may sway younger, coastal voters (Politico; YouTube debate clip).

Practical applications for residents

Ballots are arriving; expect more mail and digital advertising, canvassing and debate coverage focused on local priorities. Voters concerned with health policy, immigration or corporate accountability should review candidates’ records and cited reporting to weigh competing claims (IBTimes; CalMatters).

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Hanna Crosby

Hanna Crosby is a senior business and finance analyst for Times Media Service, based in the Washington bureau. Crosby covers business and finance, including fiscal policy, the economy and how economic decisions affect communities. Crosby holds a master's degree in mass communication and grew up in Northridge, California.

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