Becerra sees momentum, money and movement in the polls in governor's race

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Xavier Becerra, a former Cabinet secretary in President Biden’s administration, appears to be surging in the curiously unsettled California governor’s race.Until recently, the former U.S.Health and Human Services secretary had been mired in the single digits in polling to replace termed-out Gov.

Gavin Newsom and lead the nation’s most populous state.But after former Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) dropped out of the race earlier this month amid accusations of sexual assault and other misconduct, Becerra has seen a boost in polls, fundraising and endorsements.

On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas endorsed Becerra alongside 14 Democratic members of the legislative body.Arguing that Californians are under constant threat from President Trump’s policies, Rivas cited Becerra’s decades-long record in public office, including defending Obamacare and young immigrants, or “Dreamers,” to argue that Becerra is best positioned to lead the state.California Governor’s race wildly unpredictable two weeks before Californians receive ballots.

Former Biden Cabinet member Xavier Becerra surges, and former state Controller Betty Yee drops out.“There’s no time to learn on the job — we need a governor who’s ready to fight back on day one,” Rivas said in a statement, noting that Becerra sued the Trump administration 122 times while he was California’s attorney general.“We have a strong Democratic field for governor.

But right now, we need someone ready on day one.Xavier Becerra is that leader.”Becerra said he was honored to receive the legislators’ backing.“I look forward to working with the Speaker and legislators on Day One to tackle the problems Californians care about most — from the skyrocketing cost of groceries and housing to our unyielding fight against the Trump Administration’s disastrous policies,” he said in a prepared statement.

“California...