Xavier Becerra, a former Cabinet secretary in President Biden’s administration, appears to be making an unexpected move in the race for California governor.
Until recently, the former US Health and Human Services secretary was trailed by single digits in the polling to replace ousted Governor Gavin Newsom and lead the nation’s most populous state.
But Becerra has seen a surge in polls, fundraising and support since former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) dropped out of the race earlier this month amid allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct.
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’s no time for learning on the job – we need a governor who is ready to fight from day one,” Rivas said in a statement. 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 ready on 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 tackle the issues that concern Californians most – from the skyrocketing cost of groceries and housing to our steadfast fight against the Trump Administration’s destructive policies,” he said in a prepared statement. “Californians need an experienced and trustworthy leader who doesn’t require on-the-job training.”
Despite Becerra’s long tenure in state and federal office, the unflinching politician is not well known among California voters. He was among the underdogs in the 2026 governorship race. In contrast, Swalwell was among the leading Democratic candidates.
Amy Thoma, a former Republican strategist who is no longer affiliated with a political party, said Becerra’s emergence comes at a critical moment in the election, shortly before ballots arrive in Californians’ mailboxes.
“Voters are starting to get into the race. Yes, they want someone who will stand up to Trump, but it also seems like they want someone with experience who can address the real issues facing the state,” Thoma said.
He said Becerra’s life story is “incredibly compelling”.
“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 as incredibly honest,” Thoma said. “Voters can recognize candidates who call it fake.”
Becerra was respected by colleagues across the aisle, including former GOP legislative leader and state Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte. Both men were elected to the state assembly in 1990 and although their politics often differed significantly. However, they had a cordial relationship.
“He was progressive and I’m conservative,” Brulette said. “We never agreed much on policy, but he’s a good man with a big heart.”
The 2026 governor’s race has been unlike any in recent memory, with no clear contender among a crowded field of candidates and voters who have begun to pay attention to the contest shortly before the June 2 primary.
There were two prominent Republicans and eight prominent Democrats in the race, leading to fears among Democratic leaders in the state that California’s unique primary system could cause their party’s candidates to drop out of the governor’s race in the general election. The two candidates who win the most votes in the June 2 primary election, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the November general election.
Democratic leaders are concerned that despite California’s sapphire-blue leanings, the number of their party’s candidates in the race could lead to a split among Democratic voters that could result in two Republicans advancing on the November ballot.
Six prominent Democrats remain in the race after Swalwell and former state Comptroller Betty Yee dropped out.
This race – which lacks a global superstar like Arnold Schwarzenegger or a scion of a distinguished political family and a former governor like Jerry Brown – is short-lived. Anything can happen before the June 2 primary.
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 previous poll and tied 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 the top Democratic fundraising platform, ActBlue, in the week ending April 18, making him the biggest fundraiser on the site in the country.
“Ninety-nine percent were first-time donors,” Becerra’s campaign said in a statement. “This is not a donor base being recycled. This is a movement being born.”
