Story perspectives

Becerra Leads Tight CA Governor Race Post-Swalwell Exit

5/3/2026

Center

Becerra Leads

Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra surged to a narrow lead in the governor’s race after Eric Swalwell withdrew.
Eight candidates debated Tuesday night at Pomona College, and the June 2 primary remains the next decisive contest.
Polls show Becerra 24% vs Hilton 23% and strategist Garry South predicts a Becerra-Steyer runoff.
Becerra called President Donald Trump “Hilton’s daddy,” attacked Hilton’s wealth, and stressed housing affordability.

Left

Porter likens debate

Former Orange County Representative Katie Porter likened the chaotic debate to a dinner with her teenagers.
Eight Democratic candidates debated Tuesday night at Pomona College, with the June 2 primary the next decisive contest.
Tom Steyer contributed at least $132 million of his money and was criticized for fossil-fuel investments.
Critics faulted Xavier Becerra’s handling migrant children, backing mental-health care homeless, splitting on tax-refinery policies.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized poll data showing Xavier Becerra narrowly ahead of Republican Steve Hilton, a detail not highlighted in Left coverage.
Center coverage noted Becerra’s surge to a lead after Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal, an angle absent from the Left summary.

History

Historical Context

The Oct 7 2003 California recall removed Democrat Gray Davis—only the second governor ever recalled in U.S. history—and installed Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. Voters approved removal by 55.4% after more than 1.3 million valid signatures, setting a precedent for costly, fast-moving campaigns. Today’s Democratic primary, featuring Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, echoes that recall’s financing focus.

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Becerra Leads

Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra surged to a narrow lead in the governor’s race after Eric Swalwell withdrew.
Eight candidates debated Tuesday night at Pomona College, and the June 2 primary remains the next decisive contest.
Polls show Becerra 24% vs Hilton 23% and strategist Garry South predicts a Becerra-Steyer runoff.
Becerra called President Donald Trump “Hilton’s daddy,” attacked Hilton’s wealth, and stressed housing affordability.

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