Former US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra Gains Massive Lead in California Governor's Race After Swalwell Exit Californians will vote in less than 50 days to select the next governor, with a significant shift in the race following the withdrawal of Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell. The former congressman, who faced sexual assault accusations, dropped out of the race this week, creating an opening for other candidates. A new poll from Inside California Politics and Emerson College Polling shows a notable realignment in voter support, with Xavier Becerra emerging as a strong contender. The survey, which included 1,000 voters, highlights the fluid nature of the race. Previously, Swalwell held 17% of support, but his exit has led to a significant shift. Becerra, the former US Health Secretary, saw a massive 15-point increase among Democrats. Political analysts suggest that Swalwell’s departure has allowed voters to reconsider their options, particularly among those seeking candidates with clearer policy positions. Melissa Michelson, a political science professor at Menlo College, noted that the poll underscores the race’s openness, stating, “This should actually be encouraging news to the entire rest of the field that they might get another look.” The poll also reveals a competitive landscape among other candidates. Republican Steve Hilton leads with 17% support, followed by Republican Chad Bianco and Democrat Tom Steyer, who are tied at 14%. Steyer, a billionaire environmentalist, remains a prominent figure on the left, while Bianco, a former state senator, has gained traction as a potential moderate. Meanwhile, Becerra’s rise has positioned him as a key player, now tied with Katie Porter at 10%, while Matt Mahan climbed to 5%. Political communications professor Dan Schnur of U.C.#eric_swalwell #chad_bianco #tom_steyer #xavier_becerra #melissa_michelson
Xavier Becerra surges in poll after Eric Swalwell drops out of California governor's race A significant shift has occurred in the California governor's race following the withdrawal of former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who had been a leading contender, due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. A new poll conducted by Emerson College’s Inside California Politics reveals a notable change in voter support, with Xavier Becerra emerging as the biggest beneficiary of Swalwell’s exit. The poll, released shortly after Swalwell’s withdrawal and amid President Trump’s endorsement of Republican Steve Hilton, shows Becerra’s support rising to 10%, a seven-point increase since March. This surge positions him as a key player in the race, despite remaining behind the leading Republican candidate, Hilton, who holds 17% of the vote. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco follows with 14%, while billionaire Tom Steyer, another Democratic candidate, trails at 14%. Former Rep. Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan each secure 10% and 5%, respectively. The poll also highlights a substantial portion of undecided voters, with 23% of respondents yet to commit to a candidate. Politics professor Sara Sadhwani of Pomona College emphasized the volatility of the race, stating that Swalwell’s exit has created a “huge vacuum” and intensified uncertainty. Zev Yaroslavsky, director of UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, noted that Becerra’s rise is the most significant development in the survey, calling him “the biggest move” in the race. Yaroslavsky further speculated that Trump’s endorsement of Hilton could bolster the Republican’s position over time, potentially pushing Bianco’s support downward. However, he acknowledged that the race remains competitive, with over 30% of voters still undecided.#eric_swalwell #steve_hilton #chad_bianco #tom_steyer #xavier_becerra
California 2026 Poll: Swalwell Takes Lead in Governor Primary, 25% Undecided; LA Mayor Race Remains Uncertain A new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey conducted in March 2026 reveals that Congressman Eric Swalwell leads the Democratic primary for governor with 17% support, followed by Steve Hilton (13%), Tom Steyer (11%), Chad Bianco (11%), and Katie Porter (8%). A quarter of voters, 25%, remain undecided in the open primary. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that Swalwell’s support among Democratic voters rose from 23% to 27% in the past month, while Steyer’s support among Democrats increased from 12% to 16%. Independent voters are largely undecided, with 39% showing no clear preference, while 12% back Swalwell and Hilton. Republicans are split between Hilton (38%) and Bianco (34%). The Los Angeles mayor’s race also remains wide open, with 51% of voters undecided. Incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass enters her re-election campaign with 20% support, trailed by reality TV star Spencer Pratt (10%), Councilwoman Nithya Raman (9%), entrepreneur Adam Miller (4%), and housing advocate Rae Huang (3%). Kimball highlighted that Democrats are divided between Bass and Raman, with 27% supporting Bass and 14% backing Raman. Republicans, meanwhile, favor Pratt with 29% support. Independents, 67%, and 49% of Democrats and 37% of Republicans remain undecided, suggesting the race could shift significantly by June. Gavin Newsom, the current governor, holds a 45% job approval rating among California likely voters, up one point from February. President Donald Trump’s approval rating stands at 28%, while 64% disapprove of his performance. Karen Bass, the LA mayor, has a 24% approval rating among Los Angeles voters, with 47% disapproving.#los_angeles #emerson_college_polling #eric_swalwell #spencer_kimball #karen_bass
Billionaire lefty Tom Steyer pours $66 million into California governor’s race Tom Steyer’s campaign for California governor is spending money at an unprecedented rate, with his personal investment in the race now surpassing $66.7 million. Recent campaign filings reveal that Steyer contributed an additional $28.5 million this month, following earlier donations of $28 million in 2024 and $9.3 million in January. This surge in spending has positioned him as a formidable contender, potentially breaking the previous gubernatorial campaign spending record held by Meg Whitman at $144 million. Steyer’s financial commitment has coincided with a notable improvement in his poll numbers since launching his campaign in November. A new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows him securing 10% support, trailing behind Democrats like former congresswoman Katie Porter (13%) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (11%). Porter raised $6 million in 2024, while Swalwell’s campaign collected $3.1 million, both significantly less than Steyer’s contributions. Political consultants have noted the impact of Steyer’s wealth on his campaign. Elizabeth Ashford, a Democratic political consultant, described his efforts as “bringing a gun to a knife fight,” emphasizing his consistent support for progressive causes and his advocacy for a billionaires’ tax. This stance helps shield him from criticism about being part of the wealthy elite, as he has long been involved in progressive initiatives. Steyer’s focus on affordability, environmental issues, and taxing the ultra-wealthy has also drawn attention. Jim Ross, a state political consultant, highlighted that his campaign’s messaging centers on holding billionaires accountable, a contrast to other candidates like Swalwell and Porter.#eric_swalwell #tom_steyer #public_policy_institute_of_california #katie_porter #california_governor_race
