Becerra surges to front of California governor race after Swalwell exit — and faces a barrage from the left
Xavier Becerra has surged into the top tier of California’s 2026 governor’s race after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit, climbing in polls while facing intensified attacks from progressives who prefer rivals like Tom Steyer and Katie Porter.
- Becerra’s standing rose sharply in multiple polls after Eric Swalwell resigned and left the race, creating new momentum for the former HHS secretary and attorney general.
- Progressive activists quickly mobilized to challenge Becerra’s record on corporate ties, border-era HHS decisions and opposition to some left-leaning policy proposals.
- The field remains fragmented with high undecided rates; June 2 mail ballots and the top-two primary make early messaging and spending crucial.
Background: How the race changed after the Swalwell exit
For months the 2026 gubernatorial field in California was clouded by uncertainty as high-profile names weighed bids. That shifted dramatically when Rep. Eric Swalwell ended his campaign and resigned from Congress amid sexual assault allegations. Voters and donors who had backed Swalwell began reallocating support, prompting movement in tracking polls and campaign dynamics. Sources cited in media briefings include CalMatters commentary and broadcast clips such as YouTube clip 1 and YouTube clip 2.
Polling snapshot and what it shows
Two recent polls discussed in campaign coverage show Becerra moving from low single digits into double digits after Swalwell’s exit. An Independent Voter Project poll reportedly placed Becerra near 23% among registered voters, while a Democratic tracking poll showed him rising from about 4% to roughly 13% in early April. These results reflect a fractured field and a large pool of undecided voters. (Sources: YouTube clip 1; YouTube clip 2.)
Becerra’s campaign pitch and record
Xavier Becerra is emphasizing three decades of public service: 24 years in Congress, service as California attorney general — where he led lawsuits against the Trump administration and defended the Affordable Care Act and DACA — and tenure as U.S. Health and Human Services secretary. His campaign frames those accomplishments as the foundation to protect Californians’ health and economic security. See the Xavier Becerra campaign site and profile reporting such as CalMatters profile.
Becerra highlights concrete goals: expand affordable health care, strengthen Medi‑Cal, close coverage gaps and move toward more equitable coverage. He argues that experience will help tackle homelessness, housing affordability and economic recovery — a message he reiterated in debates and interviews. (Coverage and debate clips: YouTube clip 5; YouTube clip 6.)
Progressive backlash: attacks and why they matter
Progressive leaders and activists have moved quickly to challenge Becerra’s momentum. Critics label him a middle‑of‑the‑road Democrat and question ties to business, his HHS tenure, and opposition to certain progressive proposals. Amar Shergill, formerly of the California Democratic Party’s progressive caucus, has publicly criticized Becerra and signaled efforts to reduce his appeal. (See YouTube clip 4.)
“Too close to corporate interests,” critics say — targeting past contributions and policy positions as evidence that Becerra is not the populist progressive some activists want.
Specific lines of attack include:
- Scrutiny of Becerra’s time as HHS secretary, with opponents resurfacing footage and critiques about how unaccompanied migrant children were handled at the border. (Opposition clips: YouTube clip 1.)
- Emphasis on past campaign contributions and alleged ties to large companies, including mentions of donations tied to major energy interests such as Chevron — a talking point used to portray Becerra as aligned with corporate power. (Report coverage and campaign oppositional material: YouTube clip 1.)
- Criticism for opposing specific progressive proposals, like a union-backed billionaire tax, and skepticism about single-payer positions — litmus tests for many on the left. (Analysis: CalMatters commentary.)
Becerra and his team have rebutted these attacks at debates and in interviews, arguing that his record advances pragmatic results more effectively than ideological posturing. (See campaign and debate coverage: YouTube clip 4; YouTube clip 5.)
Campaign dynamics: advertising, debates and ground game
Becerra’s campaign emphasizes his governing resume through targeted ads and policy messaging. Rivals use debates and quick-response clips to portray him as business‑friendly; Silicon Valley and business-backed advertising have aided some challengers, while progressive groups surface archival footage and mobilize fundraising to counter Becerra’s rise. (Sources: YouTube clip 5; YouTube clip 6.)
Key unknown: how much progressive attacks will convert undecided voters. Some activists prioritize ideology and tone; others prioritize electability and governing experience. That split will shape endorsements, ground game investment and ad spending ahead of mail-ballot delivery.
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Economic impact
Health care and Medi‑Cal: Becerra’s emphasis on strengthening Medi‑Cal and expanding coverage could affect access to care and local health jobs in the Inland Empire, a region with pockets of higher uninsured rates. (Campaign site: Xavier Becerra campaign site.)
Business climate and regulation: If Becerra appeals to moderates and business-friendly voters, the region may see continuity in policies favoring corporate investment and development — affecting logistics hubs, commercial projects and job growth. Critics worry progressive regulation could be downplayed. (Coverage: YouTube clip 4.)
Political consequences
Voter choice and turnout: A Becerra surge reshapes Democratic dynamics in the Inland Empire, where Democrats and independents are pivotal. Progressive attacks could either consolidate left-leaning voters behind Porter or Steyer, or split the vote to the benefit of moderates and Republicans. Mail-ballot timing makes early outreach critical. (Polling and briefings: YouTube clip 1.)
Down-ballot effects: The governor fight can influence state legislative and local races — a tilt toward moderates may lift centrist candidates, while a progressive surge could bolster left-leaning slates across city and county contests.
Social and daily-life impacts
Homelessness and housing: Candidate approaches to homelessness and affordability matter for Inland Empire residents facing rising rents. Becerra’s pragmatic pitch prioritizes service delivery and regional cooperation; progressive alternatives propose bolder revenue and tenant protections.
Environmental policy and energy: Attacks highlighting ties to energy companies underscore debates over air quality, pollution control and clean energy investment — all salient for Inland Empire communities.
Practical takeaways for Inland Empire voters
- Expect intensified messaging as mail ballots arrive: ads, events and local outreach will escalate.
- Progressive groups and business‑backed organizations will likely increase spending in the region, shaping local media and social feeds.
- Voters should review candidates’ records on health care, housing and jobs, and watch endorsements and spending shifts before June 2.
Reporting notes and sources
This story draws on campaign reporting, recent media coverage and polling discussed in broadcast briefings. Key sources include the Xavier Becerra campaign site, CalMatters commentary, a CalMatters profile at CalMatters profile, and related debate and briefing clips referenced as YouTube clip 1, YouTube clip 2, YouTube clip 5, YouTube clip 4, and YouTube clip 6.
