Gov. Gavin Newsom isn’t picking a favorite in California’s messy governor’s race, but he made one thing clear Tuesday — he still expects a Democrat to win.
“I’m supporting a Democrat in the runoff and look forward to the voters making that decision very shortly,” Newsom said during a news conference in Madera County announcing three new state parks and the expansion of roughly 30,000 acres into the state system.
Newsom brushed off questions about the increasingly crowded contest to succeed him, saying he is “absolutely confident” a Democrat will emerge from the June 2 primary election.
Pressed on whether he favors specific contenders — including progressive billionaire Tom Steyer and former congresswoman Katie Porter — Newsom declined to weigh in.
“There are a lot of outstanding candidates with extraordinary records. I can name seven of them,” he said.
“I respect their willingness to put themselves out, and I’m looking forward to where the voters ultimately land.”
The governor’s comments come as the race has been upended by the sudden collapse of Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic contender until multiple women accused him of rape, sexual assault and other misconduct. Swalwell has denied the allegations.
Political operatives in Newsom’s orbit were previously lining up to help Eric Swalwell, but they jumped ship after allegations of harassment and violent sexual incidents emerged.
Steyer and Porter had been polling near the top of the Democratic side of the race in recent weeks, but Swalwell’s career downfall has fueled a surge in support for Xavier Becerra, the former Los Angeles congressman, California attorney general and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.
“This surge is interesting, because much to the consternation of all the political consultants, this seems like it was completely organic,” Paul Mitchell, vice president at Political Data, told The Post.
“But this is not ‘Becerra is a permanent frontrunner’ — this is Becerra seemingly having an opportunity, and the question will be how well his campaign can perform.”
On the Republican side, Steve Hilton, who served as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron before a stint as a Fox News personality, has positioned himself as a populist outsider. Meanwhile, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has been trailing in hot pursuit.
Vote-by-mail ballots begin going out May 4.
