California Gubernatorial Race Narrows After Swalwell Departure

Swalwell's exit from the crowded Democratic field could help other candidates gain traction ahead of the June primary.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a California state capitol building or other political structure, repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and waves of warm earthy tones, vibrant blues, greens, and reds, conceptually representing the shifting dynamics of the California governor's race.Swalwell's exit from the California governor's race could reshape the Democratic field, concentrating support and increasing the chances of a single candidate advancing to the November runoff.Carlsbad Today

The departure of California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell from the race has helped narrow the Democratic field, which could benefit other leading candidates like Tom Steyer and Katie Porter. Swalwell left the race after allegations of sexual misconduct by several women, including a former staffer. With Swalwell out, the remaining field will be pursuing his financial backers and endorsements from powerful labor organizations.

Why it matters

Swalwell's exit from the crowded Democratic field could reshape the dynamics of the California governor's race, which has seen a long list of marquee name Democrats fragment the party's support. This could increase the chances that one Democrat makes it through to the November runoff, where they would face off against the leading Republican candidates.

The details

Swalwell, a 45-year-old former U.S. Congressman, left the race and Congress after reports that a former staffer accused him of sexual assault and three other women came forward with allegations of sexual impropriety. A fifth woman later accused him of sexual assault, which Swalwell has denied. In a field of 61 candidates, including 24 Democrats and 12 Republicans, Swalwell had been leading or near the top among the Democrats ahead of the June 2 primary.

  • Swalwell left the race and Congress in April 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A 45-year-old former U.S. Congressman who was a leading Democratic candidate for California governor before leaving the race amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Tom Steyer

A hedge fund billionaire who has spent $100 million of his own money running for governor and is considered a front-runner in the Democratic field.

Katie Porter

A former U.S. Representative who gained a national following with her questioning of witnesses in congressional hearings and is also considered a front-runner in the Democratic field.

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What they’re saying

“This horrible scandal may have the effect of solving the problems that the Democratic Party leaders couldn't solve for themselves by narrowing the field, concentrating support on just a few candidates and thus increasing the chances that one Democrat makes it through to November.”

— Thad Kousser, Political Science Professor, University of California San Diego

“On the Democratic side, it is really causing voters to take a harder look and engage now and really be thoughtful about this process, which hopefully is going to lead to greater participation and more voter turnout.”

— Christy Smith, Executive Director, Emerge California

What’s next

The first televised debate for the California gubernatorial candidates is scheduled for next Wednesday, and it remains to be seen if Swalwell will be replaced on the debate stage.

The takeaway

Swalwell's departure from the crowded California governor's race could reshape the dynamics of the Democratic field, potentially helping to consolidate support around a smaller number of leading candidates and increasing their chances of making it through to the November runoff election.