California Gubernatorial Race Heats Up After Swalwell's Exit

Sat Apr 18 2026 10:33:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The departure of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the California governor's race leaves the competition wide open among Democrat candidates, raising concerns about potential Republican dominance in the upcoming elections.

Rep. Eric Swalwell's surprising exit from the California governor's race has transformed the landscape of the election, with Democrats expressing fear over a divided vote that could allow two Republicans to secure spots in the general election. The candidates include notable figures like Katie Porter, Steve Hilton, and Tom Steyer, each with unique backgrounds and platforms as they compete for the Democratic nomination ahead of the primary election.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The recent withdrawal of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the race for California governor has significantly changed the dynamics of the election. As mail-in voting approaches, the Democratic party finds itself in a precarious position, with no clear frontrunner emerging among a crowded field of candidates.

Historically, California Democrats have maintained a stronghold on the state, but there are growing concerns that the division among candidates could result in two Republicans advancing to the general election. California's unique top-two primary system allows only the top two vote-getters to move forward, irrespective of party affiliation, raising alarms within the party.

The competition to replace Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and will not seek re-election, has been marked by heated debates over eligibility and party identity.

Among the candidates now competing for the Democratic nomination are:

Chad Bianco, Republican

Chad Bianco serves as the Riverside County sheriff and is a staunch ally of Donald Trump. He has garnered attention recently for his controversial decision to seize ballots from election officials while investigating discrepancies in ballot counts.

Katie Porter, Democrat

A well-known former congressmember, Katie Porter is recognized for her aggressive questioning style during congressional hearings and is among the few prominent women runners in this election cycle. Her past controversies have included an uncomfortable interview that raised eyebrows.

Steve Hilton, Republican

Once a conservative commentator on Fox News, Steve Hilton is vying for the governor’s seat with support from Trump and a history of previous political advisement.

Tom Steyer, Democrat

A billionaire activist, Tom Steyer is largely funding his own campaign after an unsuccessful presidential run in 2020. His background in finance is currently under scrutiny due to his past investments.

Matt Mahan, Democrat

The mayor of San Jose, Matt Mahan, presents himself as a moderate within the Democratic field, having quickly raised significant funds from prominent supporters.

Other Candidates

Additional candidates include former State controller Betty Yee and former attorney general Xavier Becerra, among others, each bringing their unique backgrounds and challenges in pursuit of the governorship.

As the primary election nears, the Democratic party's ability to unify behind a single candidate remains uncertain, prompting a need for strategic maneuvering if they aim to secure the governorship in November.