The 2026 governor’s race continues to change as candidate Xavier Becerra has risen from 4 to 13% in polls after former U.S. Rep. Eric Swallwell’s departure.
In a Facebook post this morning, Becerra addressed his recent and sudden jump in the polls, saying “Each new poll tells the same story — this movement is growing. California, I’m grateful, and I’m ready to lead as your governor.”
Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are leading at 16 and 14% respectively.
Tomorrow, all three are set to meet for a long awaited debate, hosted by Nexstar Media Group and to be broadcast on KTLA5. Alongside them will be former representative Katie Porter, another frontrunner at 13%, and San Jose mayor Matt Mahan, polling at 5%.
This debate will be the first one held since USC canceled the March 24 event amid controversy around the participation criteria that excluded non-white candidates. It will be the first time since Feb. 6 the candidates will be on the same stage.
Much has happened since then, with both Swalwell and former state Controller Betty Yee leaving the race, President Donald J. Trump endorsing Hilton, and public opinion shifting on Tom Steyer on account of his investment career and lavish campaign.
In an emotional press conference on Monday, Yee addressed her decision to leave.
“Experience and competence are not polling as high as I thought when I first started this race,” she said, “What was a big disappointment is that the donors, even from my own community, weren’t there.”
CBS will broadcast the next debate from Pomona College at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. Boasting 8 confirmed candidates, it will be the largest debate organized for the race so far. All frontrunners but Porter are set to attend.