Why Xavier Becerra is rising in the California governor’s race | CNN Politics

Xavier Becerra’s rise in the California gubernatorial race was made clear in a recent debate when a rival went after him. “Mr. Becerra, you have all these lovely plans, but there are never any numbers, any revenue plan, any details, anything that pushes on the status quo,” former Rep. Katie Porter said during a discussion on lowering housing costs. Becerra, as he’s done for much of his campaign, cited his experience to defend himself. “That’s very rich to hear from someone who’s never had to actually run a government,” he responded to Porter. In the wake of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit from the governor’s race, Becerra’s campaign is drawing support as a potential safe harbor for Democrats lacking a clear front-runner. Becerra offers a long record in state and federal government as well as a steady, if understated, presence amid a race shaken by scandal. A CBS poll published Monday had Becerra at 13%, with Republican Steve Hilton at 16% and Democrat Tom Steyer at 15%. The top two finishers in the June 2 nonpartisan primary will advance to the November election. It’s a marked shift for a candidate who for months failed to catch on. The former congressman,