Xavier Becerra, a former cabinet secretary in President Biden’s administration, appears to be entering the lead in California’s unsettled gubernatorial race.
Until recently, the former US Health and Human Services secretary was in the single digits in the polls to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom also leads the most populous country in the country.
But after former Rep. Eric Swalwell, (D-Dublin) dropped out of the race earlier this month amid allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct, Becerra has seen an increase in polling, fundraising and endorsements.
On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas endorsed Becerra and 14 members of the Democratic Alliance in the legislature.
Arguing that Californians are constantly threatened by President Trump’s policies, Rivas cited Becerra’s record of years in public office, including defending Obamacare and young immigrants, or Dreamers, to argue that Becerra is in the best position to lead the country.
“There’s no time to learn on the job — we need a governor who’s ready to fight on day one,” Rivas said in a statement, noting that Becerra sued the Trump administration 122 times while serving as California attorney general. “We have a strong Democratic field for governor. But right now, we need someone who is ready for day one. Xavier Becerra is that leader.”
Becerra said he was honored to receive the support of legislators.
“I look forward to working with the Speaker and legislators on Day One to address the issues Californians care about most — from rising food and housing costs to our relentless fight against the Trump Administration’s disastrous policies,” he said in a prepared statement. “Californians need an experienced and trustworthy leader who doesn’t need on-the-job training.”
Despite Becerra’s long tenure in state and federal office, the irreverent politician is largely unknown to California voters. He was among the bottom in the 2026 congressional race. Swalwell, by contrast, was among the Democratic candidates.
Amy Thoma, a former Republican strategist who is no longer affiliated with a political party, noted that Becerra’s attack comes at a critical time in the election, just before ballots go into California mailboxes.
“Voters have begun to listen to the race. Yes, they want someone who will stand up to Trump, but it also seems that they want someone with experience who can deal with the real problems facing the state,” said Thoma.
He added that Becerra’s life story is “incredibly interesting.”
“The word authentic is overused, but every time he talks about his love for this state, his family and wanting to make California work for everyone, it comes across with incredible sincerity,” Thoma said. “Voters can see through deceptive candidates.”
Becerra was respected by his colleagues across the board, including former GOP legislative leader and state Republican Party chairman Jim Brulte. Both men were elected to the Provincial Assembly in 1990 and although their politics often differed greatly. However, they had a warm relationship.
“He was progressive and I’m a conservative,” said Brulte. “We’ve never really agreed on policy, but he’s a good man with a good heart.”
The 2026 gubernatorial race was unlike any in recent memory, with no front-runner in a field full of candidates and voters who are just beginning to pay attention to the contest just before the June 2 primary.
There were two prominent Republicans and eight prominent Democrats in the race, leading to fears among state Democratic leaders that their party’s candidates could be shut out of the gubernatorial race in the general election because of California’s unique primary system. The two candidates who won the most votes in the June 2 primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Democratic Alliance leaders are still worried that even though California is leaning fire-blue, the number of candidates for their party in this race could lead to a split in the Democratic Alliance voters, leading to two Republicans moving on to the November election.
Six prominent Democrats remain in the race, after Swalwell and former state Comptroller Betty Yee dropped out.
This race – which does not have a global star like Arnold Schwarzenegger or a representative of a famous political family and former governor like Jerry Brown – is the last one. Anything can happen before the June 2 primary.
But Becerra is having a moment. In addition to new approvals, he has seen significant movement in the polls, most recently in a survey released Monday by the Democratic Party. Becerra jumped nine points in the group’s last poll, tying with billionaire Tom Steyer at 13%.
While Becerra can’t match Steyer’s deep pockets, he raised more than $1 million on ActBlue, the Democratic Alliance’s top fundraising platform, in the week ending April 18, making him the site’s top fundraiser in the country.
“97 percent were first-time donors,” Becerra’s campaign said in a statement. “This is not a recycled donor base. It is an organization that was born.”
