Chaos Reigns in California's Crowded Governor's Race

With Eric Swalwell's exit, also-rans have a chance to surge, but uninspired voters remain uninterested

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting depicting the California state capitol building in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and waves of warm orange, yellow, and red tones, creating a sense of political uncertainty and unrest.The chaotic California governor's race reflects a state in political flux, with no clear frontrunner emerging to lead the Golden State.Today in Sacramento

The California governor's race has become a muddled, uninspiring campaign season, despite a sex scandal, a billionaire spending millions, and other dramatic events. With Eric Swalwell's exit, the remaining Democratic candidates, including Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, as well as the two leading Republican contenders, are struggling to capture voters' imagination. Columnists Anita Chabria and Mark Z. Barabak analyze why the race has failed to excite Californians and whether money or a surprise last-minute entry could sway the outcome.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a crucial contest that will shape the future of the state, but so far the candidates have failed to inspire voters. This raises concerns about the state's political future and whether Californians will engage with the electoral process.

The details

The race has been marked by a number of dramatic events, including allegations of rape and sexual misconduct against former candidate Eric Swalwell, leading to his exit from the race and Congress. The remaining Democratic candidates, including Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, as well as the two leading Republican contenders, Steve Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, have struggled to capture voters' attention. There is speculation that a late entrant, such as a famous or strong contender like Kamala Harris, could stage a surprise write-in campaign, but state law no longer allows write-ins for the general election.

  • The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
  • Eric Swalwell exited the race and Congress in April 2026.

The players

Katie Porter

A former U.S. Representative and one of the leading Democratic candidates in the race.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire investor and one of the leading Democratic candidates in the race.

Steve Hilton

One of the leading Republican candidates in the race, endorsed by former President Trump.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and one of the leading Republican candidates in the race.

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What they’re saying

“If Tom Steyer was some schmo named Tom Steinway without a vast fortune buoying his political ambitions, he wouldn't be remotely in the running, much less talked about as one of the putative front-runners.”

— Mark Z. Barabak, Columnist

“At the end of the day, or at least election day, this is a question of whom we trust with the future of California. Ultimately, that's why this race is a hot mess — none of the candidates, Republican or Democrat, have offered a vision inspiring enough to make voters want to trust them with the next four or eight years.”

— Anita Chabria, Columnist

What’s next

The June 2, 2026 primary election will be a crucial test for the candidates, as they compete to advance to the general election.

The takeaway

The California governor's race has become a chaotic and uninspiring campaign, with none of the candidates offering a compelling vision or earning the trust of voters. This raises concerns about the state's political future and the ability of Californians to engage with the electoral process.