Biden Health Chief Rises in California Race After Swalwell Exit

April 16, 2026, 4:43 PM UTC

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerrasurged in the first poll following the abrupt departure of former Democratic front-runner Eric Swalwell.

Becerra, who served as US secretary of health and human services in the Biden administration, now has 10% voter support, up from just 3% last month, according to an Emerson College survey released Thursday.

Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, is still leading the pack, with 17% support. He’s trailed by two candidates tied at 14%: billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer and Republican Chad Bianco, the sheriff of Riverside County. Former Congresswoman Katie Porter is deadlocked with ...

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