Xavier Becerra Surges Past 20% in California Governor Race After Eric Swalwell's Exit
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
Xavier Becerra Surges Past 20% in California Governor Race After Eric Swalwell's Exit
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
Becerra climbed from about 5% support in March to more than 20% in several polls after the California governor's race was jolted by Swalwell's withdrawal.
Swalwell, once seen as a leading contender, dropped out in April and resigned from Congress two days after CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle detailed sexual assault and misconduct allegations.
The allegations triggered a rapid collapse in support: labor unions and senior Democrats withdrew endorsements, and more than 50 staff members backed his accusers.
Porter and Steyer initially looked best placed to absorb Swalwell's voters, but Becerra's emphasis on his experience as a former congressman, California attorney general and Biden cabinet official appears to have made him the main beneficiary.