Becerra is my choice for California Governor

[senseandsensibility]

Last edited Mon Apr 13, 2026, 06:04 PM - Edit history (1)

The last 48 hours have been kind of rough for me as a Californian and a citizen who wants the best for our country. My choice for the Governor of my state has dropped out. I have had to accept that at the very least, he is not what I thought he was. Even if he was "merely" a serial adulterer, that's not okay with me. I will let the process play out, but he is not the man I thought he was.

After reflection, I will throw my support to Xavier Becerra. As his name suggests, he is Hispanic. There is a certain poetic justice to that. Hispanics are the plurality in California. They deserve to have one of their own represent them in the largest state in the union. And of course, based on his resume, I feel that he would represent all of us with dignity, morality, thoughtfulness, and determination.

Becerra has an impressive resume. He was the Attorney General of California and until Dec. 2025, he served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is a Stanford Law graduate, the first in his family to graduate from college. He knows what it is to struggle financially. He was raised in a one bedroom apartment with his three sisters.

So that's my two cents. Let the best candidate win! I will definitely support the Democratic candidate no matter who he or she turns out to be.

[lame54]

1. It may turn out to be 2 republicans...

Too many dems running
Starting to worry

[Wiz Imp]

40. That fear is way overblown.

The polls showing the 2 Republicans leading show them at a combined less than 30%. I believe they will max out at at a combined 30% or so at the most. What is ignored is that 24% of all voters were undecided and Almost all of them will vote for a Democrat. Only Swallwell, Steyer and Porter have ever polled above 4 percent. With Swallwell out, I would expect most of that undecided vote to go to Porter or Steyer. Sure Becerra may gain a few points, but I don't believe he has any chance of reaching 15%, given his most recent polling was at just 3%. Once you get past Becerra, the rest of the candidates combined poll at only about 10%. If I were to bet on it, I'd bet that Steyer and Porter finish 1-2 with the republicans in 3rd and 4th place.

[WarGamer]

53. Steyer should win the top nom easily...

He will be an excellent Governor.

[leftstreet]

2. Why wasn't he the frontrunner to start with?

That's probably a dumb question

Seeing all the Swalwell endorsements getting dropped - from elected Dems to labor coalitions - wondering why he was preferred over Becerra

[haele]

9. Becarra isn't a flashy media personality.

However, he is second degree of the Brown Coalition, so he can make up for a lot of the grassroots goodwill Newsom has lost when trying thread the needle between SF Tech donations and mainstream Dems. He also has extensive California Issues experience that could translate into Governance experience.

Swallwell had an effective local and national Anti-Trump story, like Katie Porter has a good national Anti-Corporation story. I haven't been hearing a lot of "California issues we have plans to fix" - because honestly, California really does need to plan its own needs, rather than wait to work with the National governance to step in and help fix with a "one size fits all" plan. California is a huge, diverse state with dozens of dozens of different local economies, all needing differing solutions.
That's why I've always preferred Becarra.

Swallwell and Porter also both have personal issues that can be run against, much as they have worked in politics - legislative side, not necessarily governance.
Steyer at least has a "fix California Homelessness" spiel along with his Anti-Trump story. And of course, being a businessman, no matter how liberal he intends to be, he's used to being a dictator - a benevolent dictator at best. But can he go forward and endorse policies he might not personally like, simply because the "fix" might not simple, quick, and solved by just be throwing money at it.

[PeaceWave]

15. Maybe the fact that folks mispell his name (as they do with Newsom) is a good sign. It's B-E-C-E-R-R-A.

[haele]

17. Thanks. I work with a Becarra.

That's my mistake.

[PeaceWave]

22. He's got a new campaign poster out - Leadership California can count on.

[JI7]

3. I will vote based on how the polls are

If by the time of voting a Democrat has a good lead in first or second place I will be more likely to vote for whoever I want.

But if the polls are close with possibility of both Republicans coming in the top 2 places I will vote for whichever Democrat has the most support.

[RandomNumbers]

6. I wonder how many in CA would be open to RCV

in place of the jungle primary system you have now?

I am not in CA, but strongly support RCV - Ranked Choice Voting - for most elections. CERTAINLY, in my opinion, RCV should be preferred over an 'open primary' that is not RCV. Many folks who support the traditional party primary system don't like the idea of RCV, especially as it is normally paired with opening the primary to all parties. For me, I think RCV is the only system that makes open primaries palatable; and at the same time, I appreciate that independents would like to have a voice in the primary.

Just wondering what you think of it as a CA voter. Would it be better to keep the open primary but implement ranked-choice voting? Or try to go back to party primaries? Or stay with the jungle primary but try to get Democrats to fall in line behind a reasonable number of candidates?

[JI7]

13. I would be opposed to RCV from what I have seen if it

For some reason it seems like it would be easier for those with money to manipulate things. I know that's already true as we see with Steyer dominating when it comes to ads. But then there are issues with candidates making deals and asking suppirters to vote for the other for 2nd .

Maybe actually having it might not be so bad but it's not something I would support now.

[RandomNumbers]

16. Thank you for your honest opinion.

I've seen RCV work in an organization and don't see the problem you suggest. It seems to work very, very well for our situation. But that said, doing public elections with RCV is a very different thing, and might not serve as well.

Personally I wouldn't have a problem if a minor candidate said hey, if you really like me you can put me first, then just remember to rank the mainstream candidate so that your vote will count in the final runoff. I mean, they can ASK ... doesn't mean I would actually do that. But I probably would. Back when I thought the Green Party was for real ... sigh ... I would have put them first and the Dem second. Not anymore, but I am sure there are many out there who still really want to be able to "declare" for who they think is really best, and for them it is not the Democrat. And even now, in a primary with several choices ... really wish I could just rank them the way I like them ... and not have to think "well Jo doesn't have a chance of winning ... it's between Mike and Mary and I had better pick between them if I want a say ..."

[Mz Pip]

4. I like him

But his campaign has been invisible. I’m starting to see posts about him on facebook so maybe he’ll get some traction.

If I were a betting woman I’d put my money on Steyer, not that I particularly like him. He’s been flooding the airwaves with ads.

[senseandsensibility]

11. Becerra has a low key style

He has been overshadowed by the personalities of Swalwell, Porter, and Steyer, as well as the money of Steyer. I really think that this is his chance and he will receive more attention now, both from the voters and the donors. We shall see. But, as I said, I will vote for the nominee regardless.

[tinrobot]

20. Finally starting to see ads from him.

Most of them hammer two issues: "I'll fix healthcare" and "I stood up to Trump". Good start, but overall they're not that inspiring.

Steyer's ads are much more effective, plus they're everywhere.

[lostincalifornia]

5. My choices will be Steyer, Becerra, or porter which I will decide which one after the debate in May.

[LSparkle]

7. You read my mind -- I am now for Becerra as well

It’s about darned time for our state to have Latino leadership. Becerra has the experience in the state and it looks like he has the endorsement of the young Democrats who have a stake in our future. I had reservations about Swalwell so I’m happy to support Becerra 😊.

[senseandsensibility]

10. Yes, he has an ad running that shows

he has the support of College Democrats. I think that is the name of the group.

[PeaceWave]

50. Young people are definitely rallying around Becerra.

[RockRaven]

8. I want boring competence w/ relevant experience, and on that basis his CV looks the best.

But I will also vote strategically if necessary. If we get close to election day and there isn't a Dem well ahead of the 2nd Repug in good quality polls, then I'll be voting for the highest polling Dem whoever that is.

[usonian]

12. Here's my last-minute choice

Perfection is the enemy of Democrats, among other things.

[fujiyamasan]

14. It's a shame his campaign hasn't had much traction

I had forgotten he was even running!

For me it’s between him and Porter. I’m not too thrilled with her temperament and various outbursts, but I trust she’s on the side of people rather than corporate interests.

I simply can’t trust an ex hedge fund guy. I’m not convinced he won’t funnel money to wealthy interests close to him because they favor his agenda. I’m not interested in crony capitalism. We have enough of that in DC.

[senseandsensibility]

18. Share your concerns about Steyer and Porter

But as I said, I will vote for the nominee no matter who they turn out to be. Still, I really hope that Becerra seizes this opportunity.

[fujiyamasan]

27. Biggest issue now is just making sure a democrat places in the top two

[mikewv]

41. Exactly!!!!

California Democrats please figure this out! Coalesce around one candidate and finish in the top 2 spots or we will have a repug as Governor in the biggest state in the union. Thanks for listening.

[LeftInTX]

19. I also can't figure out why he hasn't got much traction.

He seems like the perfect candidate.

[tinrobot]

21. His resume is perfect.

But how many "perfect" candidates didn't have the charisma to get voters to the polls?

I'd be happy with him as governor and I'm leaning towards him. Not deciding until the debates.

[LeftInTX]

25. I really don't know what's he like as a campaigner. Can he get some charisma?

I saw an interview with him. He seems pleasant enough. Not flashy. Down to earth policies.

[tinrobot]

51. He's very normal and rational.

Not a billionaire with an infinite media budget, no attention-grabbing whiteboards.

Not sure soft-spoken candidate breaks through these days and grabs people's attention.

Perhaps he'll get enough Latino votes and a few others will come to their senses.

[PeaceWave]

54. Becerra would also be only the second sitting Hispanic Governor of a U.S. state.

[Mz Pip]

28. He hasn't run any ads that Ive seem

I have noticed a larger presence on social media in the last couple of days .

He meeds to get out there, asap.

[catchnrelease]

37. I hadn't even considered him

Prior to the Swalwell mess I was trying to decide between he and Porter. As a native Californian I've certainly heard Becerra's name and voted for him over the years in our elections. But to be honest I didn't even know he was running for gov this time!! How sad it that? Since then I've looked at his experience and am impressed at how much he's done and accomplished. So now I hope he'll pick up steam and make it up to the top so he'll be in the general election. I saw a brief ad/reel thing of Becerra and his daughter where he was speaking about himself and he seems very likable and rational. (Sad that rationality is now something I want to look for in my candidate!!) I think he'd be amazing as gov.

[IcyPeas]

23. Sued trump 122 times and won. Also bianco who seized 650,000 ballots...

(Posted in California forum the other day)

Post by @becerraforgovernor

View on Threads

The UCLA Voting Rights Project and former Attorney General Xavier Becerra have asked the California Supreme Court to force Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to return 650,000 seized ballots, claiming the Republican sheriff’s ongoing voter fraud investigation is a ploy to bolster his campaign for governor.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315197467.html#storylink=cpy

I am that fighter, and have a proven record facing and winning against Donald Trump, having sued him 122 times in fact as California’s Attorney General

Becerra has spent 35 years serving California– from the State Assembly to the U.S. Congress, as California’s Attorney General, and the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Throughout his career, he has focused on one thing: Doing what’s right and building lasting change for Californians.

As a member of Congress, Becerra saw how many families lacked access to quality, affordable healthcare, so he worked hard to help pass the Affordable Care Act (ACA), extending coverage to millions of Californians.

As Attorney General, Becerra led the charge against the Trump Administration’s unlawful actions as they threatened our rights and freedoms. Becerra took Trump to court 122 times and won, never shying away from the hard fights and delivering time and again for Californians..

And as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Becerra lowered Californians’ costs by negotiating down prescription drug prices for the first time in American history.

https://www.xavierbecerra2026.com/

Post by @jsatz23

View on Threads

[ITAL]

24. Hispanics are the plurality of Californians

Not the majority, but more people of Hispanic heritage than anywhere else (about 40%).


I like Bacerra a lot as well.

[senseandsensibility]

47. Thanks for pointing that out.

I live in CA and my current town is fifty six percent Hispanic and the one before that even higher. But as you point out, statewide it's about forty percent. I think whites are at about thirty three percent. Anyway, it's a majority minority state and I think our governor should reflect that now.

[Auggie]

26. I am waiting until there is a clear Democratic frontrunner. It's imperative ...

we have a Democrat running against a repuke in this ranked election.

[Frasier Balzov]

29. Would the entry of Kamala Harris change your vote?

I think Tom Steyer is among the few responsible billionaires, but I would take Harris over Steyer.

Full disclosure: I am not eligible to vote in California.

[MichMan]

42. Harris couldn't run now even if she wanted to

Too late

[senseandsensibility]

48. I think it's too late?

Not sure. But I would consider her if it was possible for her to run. She has deep roots here.

[Lovie777]

30. Swalwell was my 1st choice..............

and I will vote for a Dem. Research for that will commerce.

[Torchlight]

32. Sounds serious

Good luck!

[PeaceWave]

33. Your "AI Quote" is a fabrication.

[paleotn]

36. There's no scandal to erase.

Only in your rather limited mind perhaps.

Bye, bye, troll.

[NBachers]

35. Becerra's my first choice, but he's going to have to do a real hard come from behind to pass Steyer.

I’m voting for the safest one to beat the pukes.

[PeaceWave]

39. Interest in Becerra is surging. It's remarkable to witness...

Can Xavier Becerra take the Democratic lead in the gubernatorial race?

https://www.calonews.com/news/politics/can-xavier-becerra-take-the-democratic-lead-in-the-gubernatorial-race/article_114e28fb-e402-4c79-8858-782e3e81bac0.html

[bluestarone]

43. Not from Cal. here. The only thing i say is

Hopefully voters will NOT do the "if my person doesn't make it, i'm not gonna vote thing" Please please vote for the Democrat that comes out of the primary as the winner.

[PeaceWave]

44. Not sure about voter participation. But Democratic registration here outnumbers Republican registration 2 to 1...

Approximately 10.4 million Democrats registered to only about 5.3 million Republicans.

[Skittles]

46. not as many people who approve of fascism in California

nope

[bluestarone]

49. So happy for that!!

America needs a STRONG California!!! TY California!!

[Celerity]

45. Becerra needs to drop out. His last 10 poll results, newest to oldest: 4%, 4%, 2%, 3%, 3%, 5%, 3%, 5%, 5%, 3%. He is one

of the multiple low-polling Democrats who keep the possibility of 2 Republicans in the general alive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_California_gubernatorial_election

[Sympthsical]

52. That campaign finance scandal hit as he was getting going

And that might be playing a role in why he hasn't gotten traction. That flew under the radar a bit - I just read about it this past week - but it seems to have been written about consistently the past six months.

FWIW, I actually find his denial of knowledge about the situation credible. I don't think he knew.

The question is should he have known. Which is a different question. Who knows. But I don't find it disqualifying. He doesn't strike me as the corruption type. But the people he surrounded himself with were a different kettle of fish apparently.

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article315342965.html

Just mentioning it, because I don't see it being brought up in this thread. After Swalwell, it's good to have a warts and all view of candidates at this juncture.

[Sibelius Fan]

55. I'm going with Steyer. He's put a ton of his own $ into progressive causes here.

And I don’t see his political ambitions going past being governor.