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Newsom Stays Neutral as Becerra Gains, Raising Stakes in California’s Top-Two Primary

The party’s split field could let two Republicans reach November under the state’s rules.

Overview

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will endorse whichever Democrat reaches the general election and declined to back anyone before the June 2 primary.
  • Eric Swalwell quit the governor’s race and resigned from Congress after assault allegations, and his support has largely flowed to Xavier Becerra, according to campaign watchers.
  • Recent polls show Becerra climbing from about 4% to roughly 13% as Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco sit near the top of the field.
  • Former state controller Betty Yee suspended her bid, citing weak funds and polling, and she endorsed businessman Tom Steyer.
  • California’s top-two system advances the two highest vote-getters to November regardless of party, which has party leaders urging lower-polling Democrats to clear the field as mail voting starts soon.