Xavier Becerra, former Cabinet secretary in President Biden's administration, appears to be making headway in the curiously unstable California governor's race.
Until recently, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services had been stuck in single digits in the polls to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom and lead the nation's most populous state.
But after former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) dropped out of the race earlier this month amid allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct, Becerra has seen a surge in polling, fundraising and support.
On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas endorsed Becerra along with 14 Democratic members of the legislative body.
Arguing that Californians are under constant threat from President Trump's policies, Rivas cited Becerra's decades-long record in public office, including defending Obamacare and young immigrants, or “Dreamers,” to argue that Becerra is best positioned to lead the state.
“There is no time to learn on the job; we need a governor who is ready to fight back from day one,” Rivas said in a statement, noting that Becerra sued the Trump administration 122 times while he was California attorney general. “We have a strong Democratic field for governor. But right now, we need someone ready from day one. Xavier Becerra is that leader.”
Becerra said it was an honor to receive the support of legislators.
“I look forward to working with the president and lawmakers on day one to address the issues that matter most to Californians: from the skyrocketing costs of food and housing to our unwavering fight against the Trump administration's disastrous policies,” he said in a prepared statement. “Californians need an experienced, trusted leader who doesn't need on-the-job training.”
Despite Becerra's long tenure in state and federal office, the modest politician is not well known among California voters. He was among the losers in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Swalwell, by contrast, was among the leading Democratic candidates.
Amy Thoma, a former Republican strategist who is no longer affiliated with any political party, noted that Becerra's surge comes at a critical time in the election, shortly before ballots arrive in Californians' mailboxes.
“Voters are starting to tune into the race. Yes, they want someone who will take on Trump, but it also seems like they want someone with experience who can address the very real issues facing the state,” Thoma said.
He added that Becerra's life story is “incredibly compelling.”
“The word authentic is overused, but every time he talks about his love for this state, for his family and wanting to make California work for everyone, he sounds incredibly sincere,” Thoma said. “Voters can see through candidates who pretend.”
Becerra was respected by colleagues across the party, including former Republican legislative leader and state GOP Chairman Jim Brulte. Both men were elected to the state Assembly in 1990 and although their policies often differed markedly. However, they had a warm relationship.
“He was a progressive and I'm a conservative,” Brulte said. “We never really agreed on politics, but he is a good man with a big heart.”
The 2026 gubernatorial race has been unlike any other in recent memory, with no clear favorite in a crowded field of candidates and voters only beginning to pay attention to the race shortly before the June 2 primary.
There were two prominent Republicans and eight prominent Democrats in the race, raising fears among the state's Democratic leaders that their party's candidates could be excluded from the general election due to California's unique primary system. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the June 2 primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.
Democratic leaders remain concerned that, despite California's sapphire blue trend, the number of their party's candidates in the race could lead to a split among Democratic voters that would result in two Republicans advancing to the November election.
Six prominent Democrats remain in the race, after Swalwell and former state Controller Betty Yee dropped out.
The race, lacking a global superstar like Arnold Schwarzenegger or the scion of a storied political family and former governor like Jerry Brown, is short-lived. Anything can happen before the June 2 primaries.
But Becerra is having a moment. In addition to the new endorsements, he has seen notable movement in the polls, most recently in a poll released Monday by the state Democratic Party. Becerra jumped nine points from the party's last poll, tying him with billionaire Tom Steyer at 13%.
While Becerra will never be able to match Steyer's deep pockets, he raised more than $1 million on ActBlue, the top Democratic fundraising platform, in the week ending Saturday, making him the site's top fundraiser nationwide.
“Ninety-seven percent were first-time donors,” Becerra's campaign said in a statement. “This is not a donor base that is being recycled. It is a movement that is being born.”
