Democrats are at a huge crossroads in California governor’s race

‘In the last few days of May, corporate funds continued to pour into Pacs backing Becerra and attacking Steyer.’ Photograph: Jackson Tammariello/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

The next governor of deep-blue California will almost certainly be a Democrat. But what kind of Democrat?

The establishment favorite for overseeing the world’s fourth-largest economy, Xavier Becerra, has trod a traditional path. As governor, based on past performance, he would keep his party and the state on the rutted road of corporate-friendly liberalism.