Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra appears on track to finish among the front-runners in California's gubernatorial race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to multiple reports ahead of Tuesday's election.
Becerra, a California Democrat, had polled in single digits just months ago, making his current position a notable shift in the contest for the state's top office.
Democrats have attributed Becerra's momentum to several factors, including the exit of former Rep. Eric Swalwell from the Democratic primary race.
The departure of Swalwell, who dropped out before Tuesday's election, consolidated progressive voters who may have otherwise split between multiple candidates.
Becerra served as HHS secretary under President Biden from 2021 until early 2025, giving him national profile and connections to federal policy networks.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic strategists point to Becerra's tenure at HHS as a key asset in the race, arguing his experience navigating complex healthcare policy resonates with California voters.
Supporters note that Becerra's background as a former state attorney general and 12-term congressman provides depth on issues beyond healthcare, including consumer protection and civil rights.
Democratic allies have emphasized Becerra's ability to unify different factions within the party after Swalwell's exit cleared a path for his campaign.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican critics of Becerra point to his time leading HHS during the Biden administration as evidence he would continue progressive policies at the state level.
Conservative commentators have noted that Becerra's shift from single-digit polling to front-runner status came after other candidates left the race, raising questions about whether he earned voters' support or simply inherited them.
Some Republican voices argue that Becerra's federal experience may not translate to addressing California's state-specific challenges, including homelessness, housing costs, and wildfire preparedness.
What the Numbers Show
Becerra polled in single digits just months before Tuesday's election, according to surveys conducted during the primary campaign period.
Multiple polls showed several Democratic candidates competing for front-runner status as recently as early 2026.
Swalwell's exit from the race consolidated votes that had been split among multiple progressive candidates.
Early voting data and absentee ballot returns were not yet available at time of publication to assess turnout patterns.
The Bottom Line
Tuesday's election results will determine whether Becerra can maintain his front-runner status through primary day or face a contested convention process.
If Becerra advances as expected, the general election for California governor would likely focus on contrasts between his Democratic platform and Republican challengers' approaches to state governance.
Voters should watch for turnout figures in urban counties, where Becerra has concentrated his campaign outreach efforts.