In the wake of Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal from California’s gubernatorial race, the dynamics among Democratic candidates have shifted significantly over the past week. While Swalwell exited amid serious accusations of sexual assault, former state controller Betty Yee ended her campaign just days later. In contrast, Xavier Becerra, the former California attorney general, has seen a notable rise in support across multiple polls.
### Becerra Gains Traction
Becerra, whose campaign had faced stagnant polling for several months, has recently surged to the forefront of Democratic contenders since Swalwell’s departure. Four separate polls conducted in the last week indicate that Becerra’s support has increased to at least 10%, doubling his previous numbers. This boost places him in a more competitive position alongside notable candidates such as billionaire Tom Steyer and former Congresswoman Katie Porter.
Despite this momentum, the race remains competitive, and numerous voters remain undecided as California’s primary approaches. The state’s nonpartisan primary rules add an extra layer of complexity. In this system, all candidates are placed on the same ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation. As such, there is a looming possibility that two Republican candidates could secure a spot in the general election, barring a solid performance from the Democratic field.
### Democratic Field Dynamics
The atmosphere among Democratic candidates is further influenced by the California Democratic Party’s leadership. Rusty Hicks, the party chairman, has been vocal in encouraging Democrats with faltering campaigns to withdraw. His call for candidates to assess their viability comes after Yee’s exit, as well as a state poll suggesting that the current field is too crowded for any single candidate to emerge distinctly.
Hicks emphasized the need for consolidation among Democrats, stating, “I continue to believe there are too many Democrats in the field.” The strategic aim is to prevent a scenario that could potentially deny Democrats a solid chance in the general election and allow the governorship of the predominately blue state to fall to a Republican.
### Consolidation of Support
Becerra’s recent surge has been attributed in part to a revamped social media strategy following the hiring of Tonya Lamont, a former digital communications director for Governor Gavin Newsom. His online presence has noticeably expanded, which may be influencing voter perceptions. At a recent campaign event in Los Angeles, attendees expressed a newfound interest in Becerra, with some supporters connecting with him due to shared identity as Mexican Americans.
Mariana Salas, a 45-year-old attendee, indicated that her support shifted from Swalwell to Becerra after seeing his recent social media messages. She expressed admiration for Becerra’s legal background and his past actions against former President Donald Trump.
### Competing Candidates
The Democratic primary is vigorous, with several key players remaining in the race. Tom Steyer is running on a solid liberal platform and recently received an endorsement from Our Revolution, an organization formed by supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders. Ironically, this endorsement comes for Steyer, despite its mission to counter the influence of the wealthy in politics.
Katie Porter has also garnered attention, receiving support from notable figures such as Representative Robert Garcia and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Meanwhile, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate Democrat, seeks to attract undecided voters and former Swalwell supporters, though he faces criticism for his ties with California billionaires.
### Yee’s Departure
Betty Yee’s withdrawal from the gubernatorial race marks a poignant moment as she had positioned herself as a candidate focused on budgetary expertise. Despite her attempts to present a stable and scandal-free option, Yee struggled to gain traction, often finding herself at the bottom of polling data. She addressed her supporters in a heartfelt message, indicating that her campaign failed to resonate in California’s highly competitive political landscape, which demands more than a traditional approach.
Reflecting on her experience, Yee commented on the current political climate: “We’re living in a reality TV era. I got no gimmicks. I have no scandals.” Her departure leaves an uncertain void in the Democratic primary as candidates prepare for a pivotal election set for June 2, when ballots will be mailed to California voters.
### Conclusion
As the election date approaches, commentators are keenly observing how Becerra’s rise and Yee’s exit will affect the overall Democratic field. The dynamics of this primary are fluid, and with many undecided voters and the introduction of new strategies, the final outcomes could still be widely unpredictable. The contest is not only significant due to the stakes involved for the governorship but also serves as a barometer for the Democratic Party’s future direction in California.
Source: Original Reporting
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