California Governor's Race Upended After Swalwell Scandal

Swalwell's exit reshapes the wide-open contest as Democrats scramble to consolidate support.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:03am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the California state capitol building fractured and repeated in overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and ochre, conveying the turbulence and uncertainty of the state's gubernatorial contest.The chaotic California governor's race takes a dramatic turn as the field scrambles to fill the void left by Eric Swalwell's sudden departure.Los Angeles Today

After the dramatic downfall of Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell following allegations of sexual assault, the race for California governor is moving on. Swalwell suspended his campaign and announced he would resign from Congress, leaving a crowded field of more than 50 candidates vying to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. With no clear frontrunner, Swalwell's former supporters are now up for grabs as Democrats fear the large field could result in the party being locked out of the November election.

Why it matters

Swalwell's exit presents an opportunity for his one-time rivals to pick off former supporters just weeks before mail ballots go to voters. The outcome of the June 2 primary election is unpredictable, with Democrats worried the large field could split the vote and leave only Republicans on the general election ballot.

The details

Swalwell's decision to suspend his campaign came after allegations of sexual assault were published in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN. He remained defiant, saying he would fight the 'serious, false allegations' but that it was unfair for his constituents to have him distracted from his duties in Congress. Swalwell said he planned to resign from Congress but did not provide a date for his departure.

  • Swalwell suspended his campaign on April 13, 2026.
  • Swalwell announced he would resign from Congress on April 14, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic U.S. Representative who was a leading candidate for California governor before suspending his campaign and announcing his resignation from Congress following allegations of sexual assault.

Gavin Newsom

The outgoing Democratic Governor of California.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire hedge fund manager-turned-liberal activist who is tapping his personal fortune to blanket media with ads in the California governor's race.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A former Democratic Mayor of Los Angeles who is trying for a comeback after he flopped in a 2018 run for governor.

Katie Porter

A leading Democratic candidate for California governor after she fell short in a 2024 run for U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I believe Steyer will put in the work to form strong relationships with the legislature. Steyer's business background — he has never held public office — means he'll challenge the status quo.”

— Nick Schultz, Democratic Assemblymember

“California deserves so much better.”

— Matt Mahan, San Jose Democratic Mayor

What’s next

Lawyers said a woman would detail new allegations of misconduct against Swalwell on Tuesday in Beverly Hills.

The takeaway

Swalwell's swift downfall has upended the California governor's race, leaving Democrats scrambling to consolidate support behind a new frontrunner as they worry the crowded field could shut the party out of the general election.