A California Democrat who was floundering in the single digits just days ago has suddenly becomethe new favoritein the governor’s race — as he racks up endorsements from establishment allies.
Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and Health and Human Services chief under President Joe Biden, surged to the top of the crowded field on the prediction platform Polymarket — overtakingpopulist billionaire Tom Steyeras the frontrunner among bettors.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Becerra led the pack with 39% ofPolymarketusers betting on his victory, compared to Steyer at 35% and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan at 9%.
Becerra, who also served in the California state legislature before becoming attorney general, had struggled to gain traction until the spectacular implosion of ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign this month following allegations of sexual assault.
Polls conducted after Swalwell’s career implosionshowed Becerra skyrocketingnear the top of voter surveys.
The longtime pol has attempted to brand himself as a “no baggage” Democrat free of scandal.
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Robert Rivas, the influential California Assembly speaker, endorsed Becerra in avideo messageTuesday, and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s political allies have also been weighing whether to throw their support behind Becerra,Politico reported.
“We have a strong Democratic field for governor, but right now we need someone ready on Day One,” rivas said. “That candidate is Xavier Becerra.”
Critics, however, have called out Becerra’stumultuous tenure as Health and Human Services chief— when he was ripped for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and a crisis in which the agency lost contact with 85,000 migrant children.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
