Xavier Becerra, Biden’s obscure HHS Secretary, surges to lead California’s Democratic governor primary, threatening to extend liberal resistance against President Trump’s second term.
Story Snapshot
- Becerra jumps from 4% to 13% in polls after Eric Swalwell’s scandal-forced exit, tying billionaire Tom Steyer.
- Grassroots Latino support propels his rise without Democratic Party backing, echoing Biden’s 2020 consolidation.
- Former California AG sued Trump administration 122+ times, positioning as day-one ready fighter.
- Race too close to call with 26% undecided; healthcare divides candidates in recent CNN debate.
Becerra’s Dramatic Polling Surge
Xavier Becerra announced his California governor candidacy in April 2025, highlighting his record of 122 lawsuits against Trump’s first administration. Early April 2026 polls showed him at 4%, near the bottom. Mid-April brought Rep. Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal amid sexual assault allegations and Congress resignation. Late April polls then recorded Becerra at 13%, the largest gain. By May 2026, he tied Tom Steyer at 13% per state Democratic Party tracking, with four candidates in the teens and 26% undecided.
Career Highlights and Campaign Positioning
Becerra served in Congress from 1993 to 2013, then as California Attorney General from 2017 to 2021. There, he sued the Trump administration over ACA protections, immigration enforcement, reproductive rights, environmental rules, and DACA. From 2021 to 2025, as HHS Secretary under Biden, he negotiated drug price cuts and managed COVID responses. His campaign stresses 30 years of government experience, framing him as ready to rebuild California’s economy while resisting Trump pragmatically.
In the May 2026 CNN debate in Monterey Park, Becerra backed Medicare for All but rejected single-payer, unlike Katie Porter. He declared, “I’m the one candidate who fought Trump on behalf of Californians and won.” Supporter Mark Gonzalez noted voters gravitated to Becerra organically, without party machinery.
Grassroots Rise Challenges Party Establishment
The California Democratic Party initially urged low-polling candidates like Becerra to exit, yet his support grew from Latino voters and grassroots Democrats, not elite backing. This mirrors Biden’s 2020 path, where faltering rivals consolidated behind an experienced figure. Becerra started with $1.4 million from prior funds, drawing crowds and endorsements post-surge. Critics highlight his “invisible” HHS tenure and moderate stances, potentially alienating progressives.
Xavier Becerra: Biden Admin's Invisible Man Now Leads CA Dems in Governor Racehttps://t.co/LoKnnDlnCF
— RedState (@RedState) May 7, 2026
California grapples with affordability crises, homelessness, and Trump policy clashes. Becerra’s executive record appeals to those valuing competence over billionaire funding like Steyer’s. A primary win pits him against Republicans Steve Hilton or Chad Bianco, where his anti-Trump litigation energizes Democrats but risks independents. Undecided voters hold the key in this tight race.
Sources:
How Xavier Becerra Became the Joe Biden of California’s Governor Race
Governor California Target Becerra Debate
California Governor Race Polls Heat
California Governors Race CNN Debate Analysis
Becerra’s Surge California Governor Race Draws Attention to Candidacy Long Government Record
Xavier Becerra California Governor
Xavier Becerra 2026 Campaign Site
