Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) dominated media coverage this week with 209.6 points, a 29% increase from the previous week driven by 709 articles. His surge stems from intense scrutiny over a fraud case involving his longtime advisor Sean McCluskie, who pleaded guilty to criminal charges. The Los Angeles Times characterized the case as a "bombshell" that has given rivals ammunition to attack Becerra's leadership and competence. Steve Hilton (@SteveHiltonx) held second place with 80.0 points despite a 10% decline, while coverage focused on his Trump endorsement and polling competitiveness.

Most candidates experienced significant week-over-week declines in media attention. Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) dropped 27% to 71.1 points, Katie Porter (@katieporteroc) fell 38% to 60.0 points, and Chad Bianco (@ChadBianco) declined 45% to 46.1 points. The steepest drops came from Antonio Villaraigosa (@AVillaraigosa) and Tony Thurmond (@TonyThurmond), both falling 65% to 17.5 and 10.1 points respectively. Matt Mahan (@MattMahanSJ) decreased 34% to 30.7 points, while Betty Yee (@BettyYeeforCA) had minimal coverage at 2.6 points. Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell), who dropped out, still generated 46.5 points in aftermath coverage.

The latest polling from April 22 shows a fragmented field with Hilton leading at 20.7%, followed by Becerra at 17.2%, Bianco at 16.3%, and Steyer at 15.6%. Porter polls at 12.4% while Mahan registers 6.0%. The remaining Democratic candidates—Villaraigosa (2.2%), Yee (1.7%), Swalwell (1.7%), and Thurmond (1.4%)—trail significantly. Newsweek reported that new May polls show Becerra and Hilton "tied at the top" of the primary race, indicating the contest remains highly competitive and unsettled.

Becerra faced overwhelmingly negative coverage regarding the McCluskie fraud case, with outlets questioning his judgment and competence. Steyer drew mixed attention over his campaign's payments to social media influencers, with critics calling it a "predatory tactic" while supporters highlighted his climate activism. Porter received negative coverage over leaked video showing her berating staff, with new reports linking a Steyer staffer to the leak. Hilton received positive coverage from conservative outlets like Fox News, which suggested he could "pull off a California stunner." Bianco's coverage was mixed, featuring both his tough-on-crime platform and criticism over controversial ballot seizures linked to fringe groups.