A Career Spanning Statehouse to Cabinet (Image Credits: Flickr)
California’s 2026 gubernatorial contest has grown more competitive in recent weeks, with former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra emerging as a stronger contender among Democrats. Polls conducted in mid-April showed him climbing to 10% support overall among likely primary voters, tying Katie Porter for second place behind Tom Steyer.[1][2] This rise followed the abrupt exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the race amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which cleared space in a crowded Democratic field. Becerra now pitches his extensive government experience as the key differentiator, though opponents question whether that record demonstrates effective leadership.
A Career Spanning Statehouse to Cabinet
Xavier Becerra built a lengthy resume in public office long before entering the governor’s race last year. He served in the California Assembly in the early 1990s, then represented Los Angeles in Congress for nearly 24 years until 2017. Appointed state attorney general that year, he held the post until joining the Biden administration as HHS secretary in 2021, a role he maintained through 2025.[3]
During his time as attorney general, Becerra pursued more than 120 lawsuits against the Trump administration, targeting policies on immigration, health care, and the environment. His office secured settlements against major health systems, including a $575 million deal with Sutter Health to curb anticompetitive practices. At HHS, efforts expanded health coverage to over 24 million more Americans and addressed prescription drug pricing.[4]
Becerra’s campaign centers on this background. He argues it equips him uniquely to handle challenges like affordability and federal overreach, positioning himself as a proven fighter who has won courtroom battles on behalf of Californians.
What Sparked the Recent Momentum
The timing of Becerra’s uptick aligned closely with Swalwell’s withdrawal, which reshaped the primary landscape. An Emerson College Polling survey from April 14-15 placed Becerra at 10% overall, with 19% support among Democrats – a 15-point gain in that group compared to earlier ballots that included Swalwell.[1] A separate California Democratic Party poll on April 17 showed him at 13%, more than tripling from 4% two weeks prior.[2]
Analysts attributed the shift partly to voters seeking stability amid scandal. One expert noted that Democrats appeared ready to reconsider candidates previously overlooked, favoring those without fresh controversies. Becerra’s team reported increased outreach, including social media engagement that drew crowds to rallies and inquiries from undecideds. Meanwhile, Betty Yee’s suspension and endorsement of Steyer further fragmented the field, benefiting steady climbers like Becerra.
| Candidate | Party | Emerson Poll (Apr 14-15, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Hilton | Republican | 17% |
| Chad Bianco | Republican | 14% |
| Tom Steyer | Democrat | 14% |
| Xavier Becerra | Democrat | 10% |
| Katie Porter | Democrat | 10% |
| Undecided | – | 23% |
Critics Target Leadership and Judgment
While supporters highlight Becerra’s tenacity, detractors argue his record reveals shortcomings in transparency and oversight. As attorney general, he faced accusations of resisting public records requests on police misconduct, drawing rebukes from media outlets and transparency advocates. Republicans labeled his aggressive litigation against the Trump administration as overly partisan, costing millions in taxpayer funds.[3]
More recent issues have compounded the narrative. A Sacramento corruption probe implicated associates from his attorney general days, prompting questions about his awareness. Becerra defended his judgment, stating the matters occurred outside his direct view. Separately, his campaign treasurer faced charges for allegedly embezzling $225,000 in funds, though Becerra himself was not implicated. These episodes have fueled claims that his long tenure reflects complacency rather than command.
Opponents in the race have seized on such vulnerabilities during forums. In a recent debate, rivals pressed Becerra on past decisions, contrasting his establishment profile with calls for fresh approaches to housing, homelessness, and costs. Despite the attacks, his favorability remains strong among non-Republicans in some surveys.
Navigating a Crowded Primary Path
With the June primary approaching, California’s top-two system keeps the contest wide open. Republicans like Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco lead overall polls, but Democrats dominate voter registration. Becerra’s surge positions him well for a potential November matchup, yet sustaining momentum requires addressing affordability and Trump-era threats – priorities he ties directly to his experience.[4]
Endorsements from Democratic lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, bolster his bid. Still, frontrunners like Steyer, with deep pockets, and Porter, with grassroots appeal, loom large. Becerra’s path hinges on consolidating Latino and working-class voters, groups where his background as a son of immigrants resonates.
The race underscores broader tensions in California politics: the value of seasoned governance versus demands for bold reinvention. As ballots prepare to mail, Becerra’s elevated profile ensures his record faces continued examination from voters weighing steadiness against change.
