The race for California’s next governor is turning out to be unpredictable. Recently, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra gained momentum after former Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race amid serious allegations. Also dropping out was former state Controller Betty Yee, leaving the field wide open.
This election marks the first time in 25 years without a clear front-runner. Just two weeks remain before mail-in ballots are sent to voters, and many Californians are only now starting to pay attention.
Yee expressed her surprise at how the race evolved but reaffirmed her commitment to California’s future. “My values and my vision have never wavered,” she stated.
A new poll showed Becerra’s support rising nine points to 13%, tying him with billionaire Tom Steyer. Meanwhile, former Rep. Katie Porter saw a slight increase to 10%. The rest of the candidates linger in single digits.
California features a unique primary system. In it, the top two candidates, regardless of party, move to the general election. The state Democratic Party is worried that too many Democrats in the race could split votes. Chairman Rusty Hicks recently urged candidates to evaluate their chances and possibly reconsider running.
Yee shared her emotional decision to withdraw, mentioning that her focus on competence didn’t connect with voters looking for a strong response against President Trump. She referred to herself as “Boring Betty,” hinting that she felt overshadowed by more dynamic candidates.
Becerra, who has served in various significant political roles, managed to maintain his position despite pressure from party leaders. He told supporters he’s the candidate for the people, saying, “I’m not the richest candidate, but I’m the guy that’s got you.”
However, he faces a challenge in funding. Steyer has poured $133 million of his own money into his campaign, and recently received a major endorsement from Our Revolution, a progressive group formed by Senator Bernie Sanders. Notably, they stated, “We’ve never endorsed a billionaire—but Tom Steyer is using his position to upset the system.”
On the flip side, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan criticized Steyer’s past investments in private prisons, highlighting the contradiction between Steyer’s current stance and his previous business decisions. Steyer has since distanced himself from those investments and has shown remorse.
Mahan is also pushing economic initiatives, including a special fund to attract events back to California’s struggling entertainment industry. Since Swalwell’s exit, Mahan’s independent support has surged, raising around $11 million.
This governor’s race is not just a political contest; it’s a reflection of California’s shifting landscape. Voter sentiment is rapidly evolving, and candidates must adapt to stay relevant.
For more information on California’s voting system, you can check the California Secretary of State’s website.
