Republican Candidate Advances in California Elections Showdown

Just a few months ago, the former California attorney general and former Health and Human Services secretary was polling so low that he failed to qualify for one gubernatorial debate

But his campaign gained momentum as Democrats searched for a consensus candidate to replace Newsom.

His standing improved significantly after Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race amid allegations of sexual misconduct, accusations that Swalwell has denied.

Becerra also benefited from strong support among Latino voters, a critical voting bloc in California politics. If elected, he would become California’s first Latino governor in more than a century.