The Latino Vote

California Governor's Race Latino Vote Update: Xavier Becerra vs. Steyer's $200M Machine

The Latino Vote Season 2026 Episode 16

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 44:15

Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the seismic California Governor's race, where Xavier Becerra is surging despite being outspent 150-to-1 by billionaire Tom Steyer, who has already burned through $200 million, roughly $166 per vote. They unpack Steyer's undisclosed influencer campaign flooding Latino social media, what it means for the integrity of political messaging, and why Latino voters in California are rallying behind Xavier Becerra anyway.

Plus:

  • Trump's cognitive decline - Can Democrats raise the age issue after defending Biden?
  • California primaries to watch - Linda Sanchez, Hilda Solis, and the LA Mayor's race (Karen Bass vs. Spencer Pratt)
  • Post-Supreme Court redistricting fallout - How states like Tennessee and Florida are already redrawing lines to dilute Latino and Black voting power
  • New Jersey's newest Congresswoman - A heartfelt moment with Rep. Anna Lilia Mejia
  • LIVE at NALEO - The podcast is recording LIVE on July 15 at the NALEO Annual Conference in Los Angeles
  •  Latino Vote Summit - June 23 in D.C., featuring Sen. Ruben Gallego

-
Recorded May 15, 2026
-
Referenced in the episode:

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!

Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote

Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote

If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!