Story perspectives

Becerra Leads California Governor Race, Tied With Hilton

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra now shares the California gubernatorial race lead, according to a May 7 California Democratic Party survey.
The poll of 1,200 likely voters shows Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton each at 18 % support, undecided voters falling to 14 % from 24 %, and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14 %.
Former Biden officials Ron Klain and Neera Tanden defended Becerra’s record, citing Medicare drug negotiations and expanded health coverage.

History

Historical Context

In March 2010 President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the most sweeping health reform since Medicare and Medicaid began in 1965. Its Medicaid expansion and exchanges gave about 23 million people coverage by 2016, halving the uninsured rate. Former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra now points to that legacy in his California gubernatorial run, saying the ACA’s effects shape state health-policy fights.

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Story summary

Former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra now shares the California gubernatorial race lead, according to a May 7 California Democratic Party survey.
The poll of 1,200 likely voters shows Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton each at 18 % support, undecided voters falling to 14 % from 24 %, and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14 %.
Former Biden officials Ron Klain and Neera Tanden defended Becerra’s record, citing Medicare drug negotiations and expanded health coverage.

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