Becerra leans into Biden-style stability to surge in CA governor race

Xavier Becerra has surged into the top tier of California's Democratic governor primary by adopting a steady, experienced governance image reminiscent of Joe Biden, defying early expectations and winning support from high-propensity voters. His rise has been helped by late endorsements from key groups (CMA, Latino Legislative Caucus, unions) and strategic spending after fallout from Swalwell's campaign, with Latino voters coalescing behind him. Unlike Biden’s 2020 path, Becerra lacks the same level of national party machinery backing and carries some baggage, but his stability-focused appeal is reshaping the race.