Xavier Becerra Leads Primary Election Polls

Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is leading the polls for the Democratic primary in the race for Governor of California.

According to reporting from EFE on May 13, 2026, Becerra has emerged as the frontrunner among Democratic candidates seeking the nomination for the state’s highest executive office.

The bid for the governorship marks a return to state-level politics for Becerra, who previously served as the Attorney General of California from January 2017 to January 2021.

During his tenure as Attorney General, Becerra managed the state’s legal affairs and became a prominent national figure by initiating numerous legal challenges against the federal government, specifically regarding environmental regulations and immigration policies.

Following his time as Attorney General, Becerra was appointed to the federal cabinet, where he served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. In that capacity, he oversaw the U.S. Government’s public health initiatives and the administration of the healthcare system.

The California gubernatorial race is viewed as a significant political contest due to the state’s position as the most populous in the United States. California’s economy is one of the largest in the world, making the governor’s office a position of substantial influence over global trade, technology, and environmental standards.

Becerra’s current lead in the primary polls suggests a strong base of support within the Democratic party, which maintains a dominant position in California’s political landscape.

The Democratic primary will determine which candidate will represent the party in the general election to decide the leadership of the state.