What's happened
Xavier Becerra has gained momentum in California’s jungle primary, rising to a top tier alongside Tom Steyer as Eric Swalwell exits the race amid sexual assault allegations. Campaigns are reorganizing staff and coalitions as Newsom remains non-committal on endorsing a candidate. Debate performance and fundraising movements are shaping voter perceptions ahead of ballots.
What's behind the headline?
Key dynamics driving the race today
- Becerra has surged to the forefront alongside Steyer, reflecting a shift after Swalwell’s exit. This momentum is partly fueled by strategic hires in Newsom’s orbit and targeted outreach to Democratic donors.
- Debate performances are shaping momentum; early optimism around Becerra has tempered after a debate showing that some observers viewed as lukewarm, while Steyer benefits from continued fundraising and donor interest.
- Endorsements and fundraising are critical levers. Newsom’s silence on endorsements creates space for Becerra to consolidate establishment support, while Steyer leverages donor networks to sustain momentum.
- Voter sentiment remains fluid with a significant portion undecided, making late-stage campaigning and messaging crucial as ballots begin to arrive in mail-in formats.
- The race remains a two-front contest in the Democratic column with Republicans Hilton and Bianco trying to leverage any swing voters, while Porter and Mahan trail the top tier but could affect vote splitting in a nonpartisan primary.
How we got here
The California governor’s race has tightened since former Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew amid sexual assault allegations. Becerra, Steyer and Porter rose in the polls, while Hilton and Bianco remain peripherally positioned. Newsom has not endorsed a candidate, but allies have signaled support for Becerra. Campaigns are actively hiring staff and securing endorsements as the June primary approaches.
Our analysis
New York Times: Coverage of Pomona College debate and momentum shifts among Becerra, Steyer, and Porter. NY Post: Reporting on staff hires for Becerra and momentum shifts following Swalwell’s exit. NY Post: Betting market trends around debate performance and fundraising impact. All sources cited pertain to events in late April 2026 and early May 2026, including polling shifts and campaign staffing announcements.
Go deeper
- How is Becerra planning to translate poll gains into votes in the June primary—specific policy pitches or coalition-building steps?
- What role could Newsom’s non-endorsement play in shaping donor and voter loyalties moving into mail-in ballots?
- Are there any new endorsements or fundraising milestones expected before ballots go out?
More on these topics
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Gavin Newsom - Governor of California
Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019.
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Xavier Becerra - Attorney General of California
Xavier Becerra is an American politician and lawyer serving as the 33rd and current Attorney General of California since 2017. He previously was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Downtown Los Angeles in Congress from 199
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Eric Swalwell - U.S. Representative
Eric Michael Swalwell is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 15th congressional district since 2013.
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Steve Hilton - British Political leader
Steve Hilton is a former British political adviser, and now a political commentator on U.S. issues and strong supporter of Donald Trump.
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Katie Porter - U.S. Representative
Katherine Moore Porter is an American law professor, attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 45th congressional district since 2019.