Dark horse Dem suddenly rockets to front of California governor’s race

A California Democrat who was floundering in the single digits just days ago has suddenly become the new favorite in 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 — overtaking populist billionaire Tom Steyer as the frontrunner among bettors.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Becerra led the pack with 39% of Polymarket users 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 implosion showed Becerra skyrocketing near the top of voter surveys.

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The longtime pol has attempted to brand himself as a “no baggage” Democrat free of scandal.

Robert Rivas, the influential California Assembly speaker, endorsed Becerra in a video message Tuesday, 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’s tumultuous 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.

Becerra has also been dinged for his ties to a Sacramento corruption scandal involving his former aide, Sean McCluskie, who pleaded guilty to his role in an alleged scheme to skim funds from a dormant campaign account for a “no-show” job for his wife.

Becerra has not been accused of wrongdoing and has denied knowledge of the alleged activity.