SACRAMENTO (Diya TV) — Just two months ago, Xavier Becerra appeared to be an unlikely contender in California’s crowded gubernatorial race. Polls showed the veteran Democrat trailing far behind several high-profile rivals. Today, he stands at the top of the field, completing one of the most unexpected political turnarounds of the 2026 California governor race.
The former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general has surged from single-digit support to become the leading candidate ahead of Tuesday’s primary election. His rise has reshaped the contest and left political observers searching for answers.
According to a recent UC Berkeley Institute for Governmental Studies poll co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, Becerra now holds 25% support among likely California voters. Republican Steve Hilton follows with 21%, while Democratic environmental activist Tom Steyer has 19%. The numbers mark a dramatic change from March, when Becerra attracted only 5% support. At the time, several Democrats appeared to have stronger paths to victory. Becerra believes voters are looking for experience and results rather than political spectacle.
“Folks put their faith in someone who’s done that kind of work and achieved results,” Becerra said during a campaign stop in Southern California.
Many analysts point to the departure of former Rep. Eric Swalwell as a major turning point in the California governor’s race. Swalwell led several polls before allegations of sexual assault and misconduct surfaced in April. He suspended his campaign on April 12, creating an opening in the Democratic field.
Political strategist Paul Mitchell said the controversy drew new attention to a race that previously struggled to capture voter interest. As voters reconsidered their options, Becerra emerged as a consensus choice for many Democrats. His favorable image also helped. While other candidates faced stronger negative ratings, Becerra maintained a relatively positive standing among voters. The latest polling shows that 44% of likely voters view him favorably, compared with 38% who view him unfavorably.
Becerra’s campaign also benefited from a major advertising push. His team launched a multimillion-dollar television and digital advertising campaign in late March. The ads highlighted his experience as California attorney general and his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services during the Biden administration. The campaign presented Becerra as a steady and experienced leader focused on lowering living costs and addressing major state challenges. Campaign officials believe the timing of those ads helped increase his visibility just as the race entered a period of uncertainty following Swalwell’s exit.
Becerra’s rapid rise also sparked debate about social media activity supporting his campaign. Supporters described a growing grassroots movement across platforms such as Threads, Facebook, and Instagram. Many users created content promoting Becerra and encouraging others to support his candidacy.
However, allies of rival candidate Tom Steyer commissioned a review of online activity. The report identified thousands of fake accounts that allegedly amplified pro-Becerra content while criticizing Steyer. Steyer’s campaign suggested the activity may have been coordinated. Becerra’s team strongly denied any involvement and rejected claims that the accounts significantly influenced voters.
Becerra’s lengthy public service record may be another reason for his growing support. The 68-year-old Sacramento resident served in the California Legislature, spent more than 20 years in Congress representing Los Angeles, served as California attorney general, and later joined President Joe Biden’s Cabinet.
