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A new Emerson poll on California’s gubernatorial election suggests that the biggest beneficiary from the end of Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign is former Biden cabinet member Xavier Becerra. Also, for those suspicious that some recent disclosures on Mr. Swalwell’s alleged sexual predations were timed to force him to quit a field too crowded with Democrats, his exit hasn’t eliminated the possibility of an all-Republican runoff following
June’s primary. In California’s open primary system the top two finishers, regardless of party, move on to the general election. This has caused awkward discussions among Democrats concerned about too many party colleagues in the race splitting Democratic votes and potentially allowing two Republicans to face each other in November. The situation has also allowed Mr. Becerra to inject identity politics into the awkward discussions by saying that “the candidates they are asking to get out of the race are the candidates of color.” Close followers of Beltway buffoonery will remember Mr.
Becerra as the Biden-era secretary of health and human services who knew little about health care and cared even less about enabling innovation and consumer choice. But now it appears that Mr. Becerra, warts and all, is a California contender. Emerson’s new poll on the Golden State governor’s race finds 17% support for Republican Steve Hilton, 14% for Republican Chad Bianco, 14% for Democrat Tom Steyer, and 10% each for Mr. Becerra and Democratic Rep. Katie Porter. Mr. Becerra’s 10% represents a surge. A March poll found him earning the support of 3% of voters. Despite his recent rise, there are bound to be some mixed feelings. Realizing that much of one’s support results from being the backup selection for voters who really liked Eric Swalwell would not leave anyone bursting with pride. Mr. Swalwell for his part has denied assaulting anyone.
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