California Democrats may have a bigger problem than they realize.
As the race to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom enters its final days, one of the Democratic Party’s leading candidates is facing growing questions about whether voters are truly enthusiastic about his campaign—or simply settling for the least controversial option available.
Those questions intensified Thursday after former Biden administration official Xavier Becerra held a campaign event in West Hollywood that initially appeared to draw a surprisingly small crowd.
Sparse Crowd Raises Eyebrows
Photos shared online by reporters covering the event showed rows of empty seats shortly after the scheduled start time.
According to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn, attendance appeared extremely light in the early moments of the gathering. Finn reported that organizers encouraged supporters to use social media to invite additional attendees and help boost turnout.
While more people eventually arrived and campaign officials later released photos showing a fuller room, the images had already gone viral online.
For many political observers, the incident highlighted a growing concern surrounding Becerra’s campaign: Are voters genuinely excited about his candidacy, or is he simply benefiting from a lack of stronger alternatives?
A Sudden Rise In The Polls
What makes the situation even more remarkable is how quickly Becerra’s political fortunes have changed.
Just months ago, he was struggling to gain traction and remained buried in single digits in many public polls. Few analysts considered him a serious contender for California’s highest office.
That changed dramatically after former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign collapsed amid controversy. As voters began looking elsewhere, Becerra emerged as one of the primary beneficiaries.
Recent polling now places him near the top of the Democratic field heading into the June 2 primary.
However, critics argue that polling support and voter enthusiasm are not always the same thing.
A candidate can gain support because voters view him as an acceptable option, but that does not necessarily mean supporters are eager to volunteer, donate, attend rallies, or actively campaign on his behalf.
That distinction could become increasingly important as Election Day approaches.
Even Democratic Strategists Have Questions
Some Democratic insiders have openly acknowledged that the race remains highly unpredictable.
Political commentator Dan Pfeiffer recently suggested that Becerra’s campaign has struggled to communicate a clear and compelling message to voters.
Others have pointed to a broader problem facing California Democrats: a lack of candidates capable of generating the excitement and energy that previous statewide campaigns enjoyed.
Former Newsom strategist Addisu Demissie recently described the race as fluid, noting that many voters have only recently shifted their support toward Becerra and could easily change their minds again before ballots are cast.
In other words, today’s frontrunner could quickly become tomorrow’s afterthought.
Newsom’s Legacy Looms Over The Race
The governor’s race is also becoming a referendum on the direction California has taken under Gavin Newsom’s leadership.
For years, Newsom has positioned himself as one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. At the same time, California has struggled with issues that continue to frustrate many residents.
Rising housing costs, persistent homelessness, public safety concerns, business departures, and population losses have fueled growing dissatisfaction across parts of the state.
Many voters now face a fundamental question:
Should California continue down the same path, or is it time for a new approach?
That debate is increasingly shaping the governor’s race and influencing how candidates are viewed by the public.
The Bigger Problem For Democrats
Perhaps the most troubling sign for California Democrats is not whether one campaign event was under-attended.
The larger issue may be the apparent lack of excitement surrounding the entire field.
Unlike previous election cycles that featured nationally recognized political stars, this year’s race has struggled to capture public attention.
Even candidates polling near the top have found it difficult to generate the kind of grassroots enthusiasm that often drives successful statewide campaigns.
As a result, many voters appear to be making decisions based on familiarity, résumé credentials, and electability rather than genuine excitement.
Election Day Is Fast Approaching
With only days remaining before Californians head to the polls, campaigns are scrambling to lock down support and turn voters into actual ballots.
For Xavier Becerra, the challenge may be straightforward but significant: proving that recent polling gains represent real enthusiasm rather than temporary political momentum.
Because if voters are merely settling for a candidate rather than embracing one, the final outcome could look very different from what today’s polls suggest.
And for Democrats hoping to succeed Gavin Newsom, that may be the most important question of all.