Swalwell's Exit Shakes Up California Governor's Race

Republican candidates see opportunity as Democratic field narrows

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:30pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting depicting a California state capitol building or other political structure, with the image fractured and repeated in overlapping geometric waves of warm earth tones and cool blues, conveying a sense of energy and change in the state's political landscape.The unexpected exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the California governor's race has upended the political dynamics, creating new challenges and opportunities for both Democratic and Republican candidates.Los Angeles Today

The exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the California governor's race has upended the political calculus for the two leading Republican candidates, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. With Swalwell out, the Democratic field has narrowed, potentially making it harder for the Republicans to advance to the general election by capitalizing on a divided Democratic vote.

Why it matters

In a heavily Democratic state like California, the Republican candidates' best path to victory is to hope the Democratic vote gets split among multiple candidates in the primary. Swalwell's departure disrupts that strategy, potentially making it more difficult for the GOP contenders to reach the general election.

The details

Swalwell, a prominent Democratic congressman, exited the race after several former employees accused him of sexual harassment and assault. His departure leaves the Democratic field with fewer prominent candidates, potentially consolidating support around contenders like Katie Porter and Tom Steyer. This could make it harder for the Republican candidates, Hilton and Bianco, to advance to the November runoff by relying on a divided Democratic electorate.

  • Swalwell suspended his campaign on April 14, 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Steve Hilton

A conservative commentator who is one of the two leading Republican candidates for California governor.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff who is the other leading Republican candidate for California governor.

Katie Porter

A U.S. Representative from Orange County who is seen as a potential beneficiary of Swalwell's exit, as she occupies a similar political lane.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire entrepreneur who is also running for California governor, though his lack of political experience has been a liability.

Eric Swalwell

The former U.S. Representative who exited the California governor's race after being accused of sexual harassment and assault by former employees.

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What they’re saying

“Both Porter and Steyer also have significant biographical weaknesses, and it's easy to see how donors and party leaders might be nervous about either one of them.”

— Dan Schnur, Political science professor at USC and UC Berkeley

What’s next

The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and the general election will follow in November. The exit of Swalwell from the race has shaken up the dynamics, and it remains to be seen how the Democratic field will consolidate and how the Republican candidates will respond.

The takeaway

Swalwell's departure from the California governor's race has created new uncertainties for the Republican candidates, who had been banking on a divided Democratic field to boost their chances of advancing to the general election. The race is now more wide open, with the potential for a more consolidated Democratic field to pose a stronger challenge to the GOP contenders.