Gavin Newsom’s allies mulling dark horse governor candidate who’s suddenly seen huge spike in polls

Governor Gavin Newsom’s team is reportedly looking at backing Xavier Becerra for the next governor after he saw a sudden spike in the polls following Eric Swalwell’s downfall.

Becerra, who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, has been one of the biggest benefactors after the exit of Swalwell, who stands accused of rape and sexual harassment.

Recent polling showed Becerra, who trailed in the low single digits of around 4%–5%, surging to 10%.

California voters have begun to look at him with fresh eyes amid increased social media chatter around him.

A lot of longtime consultants and advisors in Newsom’s political network had been coalescing around Swalwell, the California Post previously reported, in parallel with unions and other groups also lining up endorsements.

Figures tied to Newsom’s political apparatus — including Courtni Pugh, Lindsey Cobia and Jason Elliott — had varying levels of involvement with Swalwell’s campaign.

Bearstar Strategies partners Ace Smith, Sean Clegg and Juan Rodriguez helped launch an independent expenditure committee backing Swalwell.

They all made quick U-turns when the sexual assault allegations against Swalwell surfaced. Swalwell is denying the accusations.

Some Newsom allies are now eyeing Becerra, Politico reported. LaMont Digital, a creative agency that worked with Newsom, recently joined Becerra’s campaign.

The governor himself has so far steered clear of any endorsement, although CNN reported he has been in calls and meetings about the race since Swalwell dropped.

“There’s a lot of conflation between the political team and Newsom,” a source told Politico. “The governor has remained neutral throughout this.”

Newsom reportedly has been lukewarm on much of the candidates running to succeed him and apparently has reservations about Becerra’s past job performance. Becerra was the state attorney general before joining the Biden administration.

The governor has made an effort to not play favorites in the race and even didn’t say much when responding to the Swalwell allegations.

“California has always benefited from a depth of talent and vision within our Democratic Party, and this upcoming race for governor is no exception,” Newsom recently told The Post in a statement.

“The field represents a diverse group of leaders who are deeply committed to continuing our state’s progress, and I have full confidence that voters will choose a candidate who reflects the values and direction Californians believe in,” he added.

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