TL;DR
- Eric Swalwell drops out amid scandal
- Candidates debate his legacy and impact
- Xavier Becerra rises in polls
- Republicans criticize Democrats’ policies
- Homelessness remains a hot topic
The California gubernatorial race is heating up, and it’s all thanks to the dramatic exit of former congressman Eric Swalwell, who has left the political stage amid a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations. But don’t think for a second that his scandal is fading into the background; it’s the elephant in the room during the first debate since his departure.
As the candidates took to the stage, the spotlight turned to Swalwell’s former colleague, Xavier Becerra. The moderators wasted no time, asking Becerra what he knew about Swalwell’s behavior when he was chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Becerra, who has been serving as President Biden’s health and human services secretary, responded with a classic political dodge: “You hear rumors all the time about all sorts of things. Rumors are not facts.” Oh, honey, we get it—he’s not taking the bait.
Swalwell’s scandal has left a mark, and the fallout is palpable. Just two weeks after his exit, Becerra has seen a surge in support, jumping from a mere blip in the polls to a legitimate contender. In fact, a recent tracking poll from the California Democratic Party shows Becerra now has 13% support among likely voters—up from just 4% before Swalwell’s scandal rocked the boat. Talk about a glow-up!
But it’s not just Becerra who’s making waves. Billionaire activist Tom Steyer is still holding a narrow lead, while other contenders like former Rep. Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan are also vying for the spotlight. The stakes are high, and with only two candidates from either party advancing to the second round, the pressure is on for Democrats to consolidate their votes. Can they avoid being locked out of the race altogether?
During the debate, the candidates didn’t hold back. Mahan took a jab at Becerra, labeling him a “D.C. insider” and suggesting he’s just another puppet of the Sacramento establishment. Meanwhile, Porter criticized Becerra for lacking a solid financial plan behind his proposals. Ouch! The gloves are off, and it’s clear that no one is safe from the barbs being thrown around.
Homelessness, a hot-button issue in California, also took center stage. While the candidates debated Governor Gavin Newsom’s performance on the issue, conservative commentator Steve Hilton gave him an “F,” claiming that nothing has changed under his leadership. Porter, however, pushed back, emphasizing that homelessness isn’t just about mental illness or substance abuse; it’s a complex issue affecting families and individuals from all walks of life. “Mr. Hilton, you would learn in my Bankruptcy and Consumer Protection Class that the majority of homeless people in California are actually working,” she quipped. Snap!
Becerra didn’t hold back either, calling out Hilton for his lack of government experience. “It’s fascinating to see that he can do all these things, but he’s talking about not collecting any revenue to be able to do any of this work. It doesn’t add up. The math doesn’t work.” Oh, the shade!
As the debate raged on, it became clear that the candidates are feeling the heat. With Swalwell’s scandal still fresh in voters’ minds, the race is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in California’s history. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will crumble under pressure? Stay tuned, because this political drama is just getting started.