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3h ago

Betty Yee Exits California Governor’s Race as Becerra Climbs in Polls

Her exit heightens concern that a splintered Democratic field could let two Republicans advance under the state’s top‑two primary.

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Betty Yee speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum on Latino and immigrant communities in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
From left, Betty Yee, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan and Xavier Becerra participate in a gubernatorial candidate forum hosted by California Immigrant Policy Center, California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation, and ACLU California Action at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento on April 14, 2026. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters
Former California State Controller Betty Yee delivers a speech at Meruelo Studios in Los Angeles, California, on January 10, 2026.

Overview

  • Betty Yee, who suspended her bid Monday, cited weak internal polling and scarce fundraising as reasons to step aside.
  • Her name, like Eric Swalwell’s, will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot because both withdrew after the March removal deadline.
  • New polling released Monday by state Democrats shows Xavier Becerra rising to about 13% and tying Tom Steyer, while several surveys still place Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco at the front.
  • Party chair Rusty Hicks has urged lower‑polling Democrats to reassess to avoid a two‑Republican finish under California’s top‑two system, which advances the top two vote‑getters regardless of party.
  • Mail ballots go out in early May as campaigns chase cash and endorsements, with some Newsom allies reportedly eyeing Becerra after Swalwell’s scandal‑driven exit.