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

After allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin), who has been a top Democratic contender in the gubernatorial race, Tom Steyer seems like he might take the lead. 

But could another candidate increase his percentage? Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra has been polling at 5%, compared to Steyer and Swalwell, each polling at 14%, while Katie Porter has 11-12% in recent polls. 

Porter was initially leading until videos of her berating her staff surfaced. That’s when Swalwell stepped in, but after the allegations, Xavier Becerra's support has increased on social media posts.

California has not had a Latino governor since 1875, when Romualdo Pacheco, a Republican, served less than 10 months. 

CAGovernor has been trending on Threads, and the name that keeps showing up is Becerra. 

Some of the criticism comes from Becerra’s campaign being less than stellar, but there is a call to rally behind him because he seems like the best candidate. 

“People’s main argument is that Xavier Becerra needs to get his campaign together. Sure,” user trumanblu posted. “But you wanna know what would be even better? If we ALL rally with him to show he’s NOT bought out!” 

Online posts have started to mention Becerra as a possible strong contender for the state’s top position. 

“Xavier Becerra for Governor!” user sueellenoconnor said. “Look at his qualifications! He’s a great choice for all Californians.” 

Others are calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to endorse Becerra. 

“Democrats cannot lose California! Will you endorse Becerra?” user girlztakers24 said. 

“LATINOS!! UNITE BEHIND [Becerra],” user x0kiele said.

“I think it’s time to rally behind Becerra for the next California Governor. The elites have had their time.” 

On TikTok, CoffeeTalkWithLouLou posted a video yesterday about rallying behind Becerra. 

“In a very stunning move, I think it’s time that we do take seriously one of the single-digit polling people and unite behind one of them and that person does look like Xavier Becerra,” the content creator said in his video. "He has the most experience, he seems to be a great candidate for governor, his campaign has just not been great. His campaign has been terrible. So if we all start lifting him up, he could very well just take it to the end.” 

Of course, it will take more than a few online posts to see if Becerra surfaces from the rest of the Democrat candidates vying for the chance to be California’s next governor.