Swalwell's Exit from California Governor's Race Leaves Democratic Field in Disarray

The Democratic race for governor remains a toss-up, with Tom Steyer and Katie Porter most likely to benefit from Swalwell's withdrawal.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty political office desk or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting long shadows across the room, conveying a sense of uncertainty and transition in the California governor's race.The sudden departure of a leading Democratic candidate leaves California's gubernatorial race in a state of flux, with the political landscape shifting and voters seeking clarity.Los Angeles Today

Rep. Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor and resigned from Congress amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. His exit has left the already wide-open Democratic race in further disarray, with billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter seen as the most likely to benefit from Swalwell's supporters. However, other lower-polling candidates like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan are also making moves to scoop up Swalwell's former backers.

Why it matters

Swalwell's sudden withdrawal has injected more uncertainty into an already fluid Democratic gubernatorial primary, making it harder for voters to coalesce around a single candidate. This could benefit the leading Republican contenders, while also complicating endorsement decisions for major Democratic groups like labor unions that had previously backed Swalwell.

The details

Swalwell suspended his campaign on Sunday and resigned from Congress on Monday, citing the 'serious, false allegation made against' him. His name will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot, potentially splitting votes. Steyer and Porter are seen as the most likely to benefit from Swalwell's supporters, but San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is also making a push with new ad buys. The California Labor Federation, which had jointly endorsed Swalwell along with Porter, Steyer and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, is unlikely to revisit its endorsements with Swalwell gone. Other major Democratic groups that withdrew support for Swalwell may not have time to pick a new candidate before the primary.

  • Swalwell suspended his campaign on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Swalwell resigned from Congress on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Representative who was running for California governor before suspending his campaign and resigning from Congress amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire climate advocate who is seen as one of the leading Democratic candidates for California governor following Swalwell's exit.

Katie Porter

A law professor and former U.S. Representative who is also seen as a top contender for the Democratic nomination for California governor after Swalwell's withdrawal.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose who is one of the lower-polling Democratic candidates, but whose backers have poured in $12 million in new contributions since Swalwell's exit, indicating they see an opening.

Lorena Gonzalez

The president of the California Labor Federation, which had jointly endorsed Swalwell and several other Democratic candidates for governor.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen something so in flux while ballots are about to drop.”

— Marva Diaz, Political strategist

“Most people look to labor for guidance, especially on the Democratic side. When labor organizations are not working in tandem, it causes a lot of confusion.”

— Marva Diaz, Political strategist

What’s next

Newsom's office has not said whether the governor will call a special election to fill Swalwell's vacant congressional seat. If he does, the earliest it could be held is mid-August, dealing a blow to House Democrats who are already outnumbered by Republicans.

The takeaway

Swalwell's sudden exit from the California governor's race has injected further uncertainty and disarray into an already wide-open Democratic primary, making it harder for voters to coalesce around a single candidate. This could benefit the leading Republican contenders, while also complicating endorsement decisions for major Democratic groups that had previously backed Swalwell.