The latest poll from Inside California Politics and Emerson College Polling shows Xavier Becerra earning a massive jump among Democrats.
In previous polls, the former US Health Secretary was underperforming but political science professor Melissa Michelson says Swalwell's exit has cleared a lane for Becerra.
"Maybe the response to Swalwell is 'I need somebody where I can be sure that I've put my support behind this candidate, that there's nothing surprising and terrible that I'm going to learn about them next week,'" Michelson said.
Six candidates now hold at least 5 percent support of the 1,000 people surveyed. Republican Steve Hilton sits on top with 17 percent.
Next, Republican Chad Bianco and Democrat Tom Steyer are tied at 14 percent, making Steyer the frontrunner on the left.
Becerra is now tied with Katie Porter at 10 percent.