Should Democrats vote for Matt Mahan or Katie Porter, who lag in the polls? Or should they vote strategically to enhance the chance of a Democrat making it to the November election?

For voters feeling frustrated and uninspired ahead of California’s June 2 primary election: You’re not alone. 

The governor’s race is, to put it mildly, a hot mess. The state’s political establishment and power brokers have twice closed ranks around milquetoast candidates despite their struggle to articulate even a basic policy platform.

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First, it was former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who abandoned his gubernatorial bid after longstanding whispers of impropriety burst into the public realm with heinous sexual-assault allegations first revealed in a damning Chronicle report.

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Now, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is the chosen favorite — someone who’s offered little in his campaign beyond a calm avuncular demeanor.

Somewhat inexplicably, both men seem to appeal to voters, too. 

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Swalwell topped the polls before he dropped out. Becerra is now the leading Democratic contender, neck-and-neck with Republican Steve Hilton, who’s endorsed by President Donald Trump. Trailing in most polls is Democratic billionaire Tom Steyer, whose puffs of populist rage come with little substance, closely followed by Republican Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff best known for seizing ballots from last........

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