Weak Talent Pool Forces Decisions for California Democrats

Experts are suggesting that California Democrats might have to back a gubernatorial candidate who isn’t particularly popular due to a weak pool of options.

Party leaders are likely to endorse Xavier Becerra, who heads a rather unimpressive array of left-leaning contenders as the primaries approach this Tuesday.

This shift comes after prominent figures like Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and Nancy Pelosi have remained silent about their favored candidates.

Republicans have noted a general “lack of enthusiasm” for the Democrat in the race, feeling that he hasn’t brought excitement to the campaign.

Interestingly, some strategists speculate that Newsom and Harris might be holding back to avoid making any missteps, especially with their own presidential aspirations looming.

Even the Democratic Party Chair, Rusty Hicks, has avoided clear support for Becerra during interviews, which some found frustrating. He hasn’t even expressed gladness about Becerra’s candidacy.

The upcoming election appears to be shaping up as a contest between Republican Steve Hilton and Democrats Becerra and Tom Steyer, based on recent polls. In some areas, Becerra is close to 28%, while Steyer is at 22% and Hilton at 21%. However, a recent Post poll indicates Hilton and Steyer at 25%, with Becerra lagging at 19%.

After serious allegations against Eric Swalwell forced him out, Becerra has gained some ground by regrouping his base.

Yet, many party leaders seem hesitant to rally behind him. Hicks had previously commented that candidates with low approval ratings should step back, a statement that raises eyebrows considering his current position.

When pressed about Becerra, Hicks offered minimal commentary, mentioning that predicting the race’s outcome is difficult.

Despite inquiries, the Democratic Party hasn’t confirmed any imminent endorsements and seems unsure about supporting a particular candidate.

Notably, at the California Democratic Party convention in February, no candidate approached the 60% support threshold necessary for party endorsement. Swalwell led with roughly 24%, with Becerra trailing at about 3%.

As mentioned by political consultant Stephen Maviglio, the disappointment over Swalwell’s campaign has left many wary of repeating a similar situation.

Despite Harris, Pelosi, and Newsom’s silence on endorsing candidates, they’ve been vocal about other races in the state, such as backing Karen Bass for the Los Angeles mayoral race.

Newsom has indicated a desire for Democratic success but remains noncommittal about who that might be.

“I’m backing the Democratic Party in the runoff and look forward to the voters’ decision soon,” Newsom expressed, emphasizing he believes the primary will favor a Democratic candidate.

President Biden, too, has stayed out of supporting Becerra, despite their past connections, choosing to lend his support to other candidates in different races.

Political strategists see the reticence among top Democrats as indicative of an uncertain race without a clear front-runner.

Maviglio analyzed that endorsements usually reflect shared values, and hesitation from prominent figures like Newsom could stem from their own political ambitions and the fear of backing a losing candidate.

California Republican Party Chairman Colin Rankin views the situation differently, citing a significant lack of enthusiasm among voters for Democratic candidates.

He recounted how support once favoring Swalwell dissipated, noting the silent response to Becerra as telling.

Moreover, he hinted at possible “baggage” that some candidates might bring but didn’t elaborate further.

The Republican Party, while divided between Hilton and Chad Bianco at their convention, is reportedly united in backing whatever candidate emerges.

Financial support from oil companies for Becerra has sparked criticism from rival Steyer, who has denounced his acceptance of such contributions.

Becerra’s interactions with the media have also drawn scrutiny, particularly a recent exchange that raised eyebrows.

Criticism regarding his effectiveness as Secretary of Health and Human Services under Biden’s administration has intensified, with various opinions surfacing about his performance.

Recent internal polling has faced skepticism among some of Biden’s former staffers, with candid remarks about Becerra’s standing within the political landscape.

There’s also legal controversy surrounding a former aide to Becerra, who pled guilty to various charges related to fraud, reportedly implicating Becerra as a victim.

The Becerra campaign has yet to address the lack of support from fellow Democrats and influential power brokers.

However, some strategists believe this lack of endorsement may not be entirely negative for voters, allowing them to make more independent choices when leaders are not aligned.

The state’s “jungle primary” system encourages candidates to appeal across party lines, creating an environment where anyone can advance based solely on their primary results.

As the top two candidates in the primaries will progress to the general election, observant voters are keenly aware of the current turmoil.

“The absence of support in the gubernatorial race signifies ongoing uncertainty among Democrats and voters,” Klink concluded, signaling the shifting dynamics of California politics.

A number of California Democrats are adopting a strategy of waiting until the last moment to cast their votes, which reflects an underlying anxiety about the open primary system.