California Governor's Race Upended by Swalwell's Sudden Exit

Crowded Democratic field scrambles to capitalize on the chaos left by the former congressman's resignation and criminal investigation.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:34am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured shapes and waves of warm colors, conceptually representing the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the California governor's race after a major candidate's departure.The California governor's race has been upended by the sudden exit of a leading Democratic contender, creating a chaotic scramble for the nomination.Today in Sacramento

The sudden departure of Eric Swalwell from the California governor's race has injected a sense of 'chaos' into the crowded Democratic field, with several candidates now vying to seize the momentum. Swalwell, who had been a leading contender, resigned from Congress and is facing a criminal investigation, though he denies the allegations. This has opened the door for other Democrats like Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Xavier Becerra to potentially emerge as the sole Democratic nominee to face off against the Republican candidates in the November general election.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is one of the most high-profile political contests in the country, and Swalwell's exit has upended the dynamics of the race. With the Democratic field now in flux, the outcome could have significant implications for the state's political landscape and policy priorities going forward.

The details

In the aftermath of Swalwell's exit, several Democratic candidates are making moves to capitalize on the shifting landscape. Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, who had been polling closest to Swalwell, are positioning themselves as the leading anti-Trump liberals in the race. Meanwhile, Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, has seen a surge of support from wealthy individuals and tech leaders, though he faces skepticism from the Democratic establishment. Xavier Becerra, the former California attorney general, has also seen a spike in social media engagement since the allegations against Swalwell surfaced. With mail ballots set to go out in early May, the candidates are racing to make their case to voters before the June 2 primary.

  • Swalwell resigned from Congress and faces a criminal investigation in April 2026.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
  • Mail ballots will be sent out to voters in the first week of May 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic congressman who had been a leading contender for California governor before resigning from Congress and facing a criminal investigation, which he denies.

Katie Porter

A former member of Congress who has positioned herself as an anti-Trump liberal and is one of the leading Democratic candidates in the race.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire who has been active in progressive politics and is another leading Democratic candidate, having spent over $120 million from his personal fortune on the race.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose who has won over tech leaders but faces skepticism from the Democratic establishment.

Xavier Becerra

A former California attorney general and health and human services secretary under President Joe Biden, who has seen a surge of interest on social media since the allegations against Swalwell surfaced.

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What they’re saying

“'Everyone just feels chaos and is scrambling,'”

— Marva Diaz, Democratic strategist and publisher of California Target Book

“'Now is the time to rally behind Antonio and give him a boost so he can surge into the lead,'”

— Antonio Villaraigosa campaign aide

What’s next

The California Teachers Association and the Service Employees International Union, two powerful unions that had endorsed Swalwell, have not yet decided how to proceed in the wake of his exit. Their endorsement and financial support could be crucial for the remaining Democratic candidates.

The takeaway

Swalwell's sudden departure has created a power vacuum in the California governor's race, with several Democratic candidates now vying to position themselves as the front-runner. The outcome of this fluid and unpredictable contest could have significant implications for the state's political landscape and policy priorities.