Becerra’s Late Surge in California Gubernatorial Race Draws Sharp Progressive Backlash and Rival Attacks
Xavier Becerra unexpectedly surged to the top of the crowded 2026 California gubernatorial field after Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal, but his centrist record and past corporate ties have sparked sharp criticism from progressives and intensified attacks from rival candidates.
- Rapid polling jump: Becerra rose into double digits after Eric Swalwell exited the race; polls showed him tying or leading some surveys — see CalMatters: televised debate commentary and IBTimes: debate coverage.
- Crowded field: The primary includes Democrats Becerra, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan and Republicans such as Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco; the top-two primary on June 2 advances the top finishers — ABC30: candidate overview.
- Progressive pushback: Left-leaning activists and rival Democrats are scrutinizing Becerra’s record at HHS, campaign donations and policy positions — reporting and analysis by Politico: progressive backlash.
Becerra’s sudden rise and the scramble to define him
Becerra’s campaign launched more than a year ago but stayed in the low single digits until Eric Swalwell withdrew amid scandal and resigned from Congress. Within days, several surveys showed Becerra moving into double digits; a Democratic poll placed him at 13% while a large Independent Voter Project survey put him at 23% among likely voters in that sample. Many voters remain undecided.
His message leans on decades of public service, including legal fights over the Affordable Care Act, lawsuits against the Trump administration, efforts to lower drug prices and work to expand health-care access. The campaign’s announcement video framed the bid as a promise to “rebuild the California Dream” and prepare to confront a second Trump administration if necessary. Becerra also benefits from existing campaign resources, including leftover funds from his time as attorney general — background available via CalMatters: Becerra profile and the campaign site Becerra 2026.
Debate scrutiny and campaign attacks
At a tense debate at Pomona College broadcast on CBS, Becerra was frequently in the spotlight as candidates clashed with interruptions and sharp exchanges. He tied his message to national fights and sought to cast opponents as aligned with Trump while defending his record as a fighter for California — see coverage from IBTimes and analysis in the Los Angeles Times. Watch a debate clip on YouTube.
Rival attacks were immediate. Tom Steyer, who has spent heavily on advertising, has focused on Becerra’s record at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and sought to frame those decisions as vulnerabilities, contrasting Steyer’s push for higher taxes on the wealthy with Becerra’s more business-friendly image.
The progressive backlash: specifics and strategy
Progressives argue Becerra represents the party center and would be reluctant to challenge corporate power aggressively. They worry a centrist governor would be less likely to push sweeping changes on corporate influence, housing and health care.
“Open for business with corporations” — a critique summarized by Amar Shergill, a former chair of the California Democratic Party’s progressive caucus, who called Becerra a “go-along Democrat.”
Specific criticisms circulated by progressive groups and rivals include:
- Handling of migrant children: Questions about his handling of an influx of unaccompanied migrant children while at HHS; opponents have resurfaced clips and critiques — see Politico reporting and a related video clip.
- Corporate donations: Scrutiny over campaign contributions from companies like Chevron, used to portray him as too close to corporate donors — Politico.
- Opposition to a billionaire tax: Past opposition to a union-backed wealthy-tax proposal raises doubts about his commitment to taxing the rich.
- Single-payer skepticism: Questions remain about whether he would embrace single-payer health care — a litmus test for many on the left.
Campaign response and counterpunches
Becerra’s team emphasizes tangible results: more than 100 lawsuits against the Trump administration as attorney general, actions to lower drug prices and work to expand access to care. The campaign stresses electability and governing experience in a state as large and complex as California, framing those qualities as necessary to deliver results — elaborated in CalMatters profile and on the campaign site.
Political strategists note the decision point for progressives: continue attacking Becerra in the primary and risk splitting the Democratic vote, or hold fire to avoid handing advantage to Republicans or a business-aligned Democrat in November.
The numbers and the stage ahead
The field remains fragmented, with several candidates in the teens and a sizable pool of undecided voters. Mail ballots will arrive before the June 2 top-two primary, creating urgency for campaigns to reshape impressions quickly. The volatility of current surveys is visible in post-debate polling swings and analysis — see a polling clip on YouTube and commentary in CalMatters.
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic impact
Taxes and business climate: A centrist Becerra governorship could signal continuity for pro-business policies favored by some Sonoma leaders; a Steyer or Porter victory might push for higher taxes on the wealthy and expanded public programs that would alter county services and funding priorities.
Agriculture and tourism: Sonoma’s wine and tourism sectors are sensitive to state rules on labor, environment and taxation. A business-forward governor could prioritize regulatory stability; a progressive governor could pursue stricter environmental or labor standards affecting operating costs.
Political consequences
Sonoma leans Democratic but contains both moderates and progressives. The backlash against Becerra could energize the left or split Democrats, potentially creating openings for Republicans in local legislative contests. The June 2 top-two format amplifies intra-party competition.
Social effects
Homelessness and housing: Candidate approaches to homelessness and affordability will directly affect Sonoma — whether through public-private partnerships or heavier public investment to accelerate affordable housing.
Cultural relevance
Sonoma voters prize environmental stewardship and small-business vitality. The debate over Becerra’s centrism versus progressive change highlights local tensions between pragmatic coalition-building and demands for bold reforms on inequality and corporate power.
Practical applications for residents
With ballots mailing soon, expect intensified outreach from campaigns and progressive groups: voter guides, local forums and targeted mailers. Residents should track positions on housing, wildfire prevention funding, health services and labor rules that affect local workers and businesses.
Sources
- IBTimes: California governor debate — Becerra center stage
- CalMatters: televised debate commentary
- Politico: Xavier Becerra progressive backlash
- YouTube: debate clip
- CalMatters: Becerra profile (2025)
- ABC30: eight candidates overview
- YouTube: polling clip
- Los Angeles Times: debate columnists
- Xavier Becerra campaign site
