Xavier Becerra Surges in California Governor Race, Faces Progressive Backlash Ahead of June 2 Primary
Xavier Becerra surged into the lead of California’s 2026 governor’s race after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit, but he now faces intense progressive backlash and attacks from rivals as the June 2 top‑two primary approaches, testing voter preferences.
Key takeaways
- Becerra’s sudden rise: polls show a jump from low single digits to a leading position after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew; see IBTimes and CalMatters.
- Progressive backlash: left-leaning groups and some Democrats are resurfacing controversies from his time in Congress, as California attorney general and at HHS; reporting in Politico details key lines of attack.
- Close, crowded field: an Independent Voter Project poll put Becerra at 23% with Republicans near behind, underscoring how the June 2 top‑two primary remains competitive (IVP poll footage).
Becerra’s late climb and the scramble to define him
Becerra launched his campaign more than a year ago, emphasizing **three decades of public service** that include 24 years in Congress, a term as California attorney general, and service as President Biden’s Health and Human Services secretary. For much of the race he polled in the low single digits while speculation swirled about higher-profile Democrats — coverage by CalMatters and his campaign site, XavierBecerra2026, documented his early messaging.
The contest shifted quickly when Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual-assault allegations, creating a vacuum Becerra filled almost overnight. Multiple outlets noted the rapid change in momentum; see reporting in IBTimes and post-exit polling coverage such as the Independent Voter Project footage.
“Becerra‑mentum” — pollsters and strategists describe the surge as a sudden consolidation of support after Swalwell’s departure, but operatives on the left quickly moved to blunt that rise.
What his critics are resurfacing
Progressive groups and rival campaigns have flagged episodes from Becerra’s long public career to challenge his progressive credentials. Key lines of attack include his record at HHS on unaccompanied migrant children, campaign contributions from major corporations such as Chevron, opposition to a union‑backed “billionaire tax,” and questions about his support for single‑payer health proposals. Read detailed reporting in Politico.
Progressive critique: activists say Becerra represents a governing style that avoids confrontation with major corporate and tech interests. As Amar Shergill, a former chair of the California Democratic Party’s progressive caucus, put it, “Democratic leadership likes a governor that is open for business with corporations.”
Rivals seize on openings
Rival Democrats accelerated attacks. Tom Steyer, who centers his campaign on populist critiques of the wealthy, has run ads targeting Becerra’s HHS record (background in CalMatters debate coverage). Katie Porter — known for her aggressive oversight of corporate leaders — offers a contrasting, confrontational style that appeals to voters seeking tougher business accountability; relevant clips are available from debate footage such as YouTube highlights.
At the first televised debate in Pomona College, candidates from left and right pressed Becerra on housing, homelessness, immigration, and business ties. Moderators and opponents sought to define him before mail ballots hit voter mailboxes; see reporting in IBTimes, ABC30, and Los Angeles Times.
Polling and what it could mean for June 2
Recent polls show a crowded field with high undecided rates, leaving the top‑two primary open to surprise. An Independent Voter Project poll of 3,400 registered voters showed Becerra at 23%, ahead of Republican Steve Hilton (20%) and Chad Bianco (17%); see IVP poll footage. Other surveys put Becerra in the low‑teens among Democratic voters, sometimes tied with Tom Steyer, underscoring rapid shifts in the race (CalMatters).
Campaign infrastructure matters: Becerra has some prior statewide fundraising but must scale up organization and cash to sustain his rise and counter coordinated attacks from progressives and rival campaigns (CalMatters profile).
How Becerra frames his bid
Becerra’s campaign emphasizes his record of public service and legal fights to defend state programs and immigrant rights, highlighting suits against the Trump administration during his tenure as attorney general (CalMatters). In interviews he has said he is ready to “fight Donald Trump, not agree with him,” while promising pragmatic governance to protect California’s economy and core services (IBTimes debate coverage; campaign footage).
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Economic impact: Huntington Beach voters and businesses should watch tax and regulatory debates. If progressive rivals shape the Democratic agenda, policies like higher taxes on top earners or stronger corporate regulation could affect local companies and property owners. Conversely, a governor with closer business ties may emphasize predictable regulation and workforce growth (Politico; CalMatters).
Public safety and homelessness: local voters will weigh candidates’ plans for law enforcement resources, shelter capacity, and enforcement strategies; Becerra’s record as attorney general and debate answers will be compared with populist and progressive alternatives (IBTimes; ABC30).
Immigration and border policy: criticism of Becerra’s HHS handling of unaccompanied migrant children is a sensitive area for communities that host service providers and schools; local leaders may press for clearer plans on sheltering, educational impacts, and county coordination (Politico).
Business and tech relations: Southern California communities that interact with tech and corporate sectors will watch whether a governor will confront Silicon Valley and trade groups or pursue an “open for business” approach that influences development, permitting, and job programs (Politico).
Voter behavior and turnout: with high undecided rates and a crowded field, local turnout and mail‑ballot operations will be decisive; conservative voters in Huntington Beach could help advance a Republican to the November runoff or shape which Democrat reaches the top two (IVP poll footage; CalMatters).
Sources and reporting notes
Reporting for this article relied on coverage and reporting from:
- IBTimes — California governor debate coverage
- CalMatters — 2026 debate commentary
- CalMatters — Becerra profile and reporting
- Politico — progressive backlash reporting
- ABC30 — local broadcast debate coverage
- Los Angeles Times — debate coverage
- YouTube — Independent Voter Project poll footage
- YouTube — debate highlights
- YouTube — campaign/debate footage
- XavierBecerra2026 — campaign site
Preserved original facts and URLs as reported by the named outlets.
