Story perspectives

Becerra Raises $2.3M, TikTok Push After Swalwell Exit

5/15/2026

Left

Becerra Raises Funds

A 2023 New York Times investigation found Xavier Becerra missed checks for migrant children, which he called “Trump talking points.”
Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign in early April after sexual misconduct allegations, leaving the race open.
Xavier Becerra’s campaign turned to TikTok and the nickname “Tío Xavier” to court Spanish-speaking voters.
Since Swalwell’s exit, Xavier Becerra raised at least $2.3 million, boosting his campaign resources.

Right

Swalwell Suspends

Governor Gavin Newsom asked county registrars to speed up result tabulation and warned that misinformation could spread around the election.
Former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign in April after sexual misconduct allegations, leaving the race open.
California Democrats plan to wait until the last moment to cast their June 2 primary ballots.
Ballots cast on Election Day add to a backlog straining counties handling mailed, in-person votes.

Blindspot

Left coverage emphasized Becerra’s health department failure to conduct safety checks for unaccompanied migrant children, highlighted by a New York Times investigation.
Right coverage did not include that detail, focusing instead on ballot timing strategies, poll standings, and election administration concerns overall.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 California gubernatorial recall election, held on October 7, 2003, ousted Democratic Governor Gray Davis and triggered a nationwide debate on recall mechanisms. Governor Davis’s office reported a $10 million budget shortfall, while Arnold Schwarzenegger’s campaign raised $12 million, and 5.5 million voters participated, marking a 48 percent turnout. Similarly, in the 2023 primary, Xavier Becerra’s campaign has amassed $2.3 million after Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal, while Shirley Weber and the Los Angeles Times monitor ballot tabulation. The 2003 recall demonstrated how sudden candidate exits and fundraising spikes can reshape California’s electoral landscape, foreshadowing today’s volatile primary dynamics and prompting calls for reform.

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Becerra Raises Funds

A 2023 New York Times investigation found Xavier Becerra missed checks for migrant children, which he called “Trump talking points.”
Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign in early April after sexual misconduct allegations, leaving the race open.
Xavier Becerra’s campaign turned to TikTok and the nickname “Tío Xavier” to court Spanish-speaking voters.
Since Swalwell’s exit, Xavier Becerra raised at least $2.3 million, boosting his campaign resources.

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