California Governor Candidates Address Swalwell Fallout in Sacramento Forum

The first gubernatorial candidate forum since the Eric Swalwell scandal brought six candidates together to discuss key issues.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:12am

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A vibrant, abstract painting depicting a podium with the California state flag in the background, rendered in a fractured, geometric style with overlapping shapes and bold colors, conceptually representing the dynamic political landscape of the California governor's race.The California gubernatorial race is reset as candidates address the Swalwell scandal and outline their policy visions.Today in Sacramento

The California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a gubernatorial candidate forum in Sacramento, where the fallout from the Eric Swalwell sexual assault allegations was a central topic of discussion. Candidates from both parties addressed the controversy, with some saying it has shifted voter focus and reset the campaign. The forum also covered policy issues like healthcare, childcare, and the state's budget deficit.

Why it matters

The Swalwell scandal has become a major issue in the California governor's race, with candidates needing to address the controversy and its impact on voter perceptions. The forum provided an opportunity for the candidates to position themselves on the issue and outline their broader policy platforms.

The details

At the packed Sacramento Sheraton Hotel ballroom event, Republican candidate Steve Hilton said the Swalwell scandal underscores broader concerns about accountability in government. Democratic former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said voters misjudged the race early on, while former CA Controller Betty Yee argued the controversy has shifted voter focus. Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said the contest is effectively resetting. The forum also covered key policy issues like healthcare, childcare, and the state's budget deficit.

  • The forum took place on April 15, 2026.
  • County elections officials will begin mailing primary ballots on May 4, less than three weeks away.

The players

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A Democratic former mayor of Los Angeles and candidate for California governor.

Betty Yee

A Democratic former California Controller and candidate for California governor.

Xavier Becerra

A Democratic former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and candidate for California governor.

Tom Steyer

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

Matt Mahan

The Democratic mayor of San Jose and candidate for California governor.

Victoria Rivera

An undecided voter who attended the Sacramento forum.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to ask ourselves: 'How did we get here?'”

— Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for California governor

“We went with the shiny object, and we made a mistake.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa, Democratic former mayor of Los Angeles and candidate for California governor

“I think voters are finally focusing. They're focusing because of the scandals.”

— Betty Yee, Democratic former California Controller and candidate for California governor

“It's really day one, really, for this campaign for everyone.”

— Xavier Becerra, Democratic former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and candidate for California governor

“I'm for single-payer healthcare.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic candidate for California governor

What’s next

County elections officials will begin mailing primary ballots on May 4, less than three weeks away.

The takeaway

The Swalwell scandal has become a central issue in the California governor's race, with candidates needing to address the controversy and its impact on voter perceptions. The forum provided an opportunity for the candidates to position themselves on the issue and outline their broader policy platforms as the primary election approaches.