Thedebate last nightfor California’s governor’s race may have given progressive billionaire Tom Steyer an edge, according to traders — while a once-surging candidate could face a drop-off.
The roughly hour-and-half-long debate was the first one afterformer congressman Eric Swalwelldropped his bid due to sexual assault allegations.
While the public anticipated clashes that would give clarity to who would come out on top, the eventdidn’t appear toruffle many feathers.
On the post-debate betting market, though, a trend is emerging in favor of Steyer, and questions are emerging over whether former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra can continue his momentum.
Earlier in the month, when rumors of accusations against Swalwell were swirling,the odds for Steyer skyrocketedon the betting platform Kalshi, as many expected him and former congresswoman Katie Porter to pick up most of Swalwell’s voters.
But recent polls showed instead Becerra, who had been mired in the single digits,shooting to the topof the pack alongside Steyer.
One poll had Becerra jumping to 15% support — an 11-point surge from just 4% earlier this month and tied with Steyer.
Bettors adjusted accordingly, and right before the debate, the two Democrats’ odds were about the same at around 38%.
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Momentum was shifting to Becerra, who appeared poised topick up support from political operatives in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orbit.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
