Former Swalwell Supporters Cautiously Eyeing Other CA Governor Candidates

Donors and endorsers reassess support after Swalwell's withdrawal from race.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic interior scene of an empty political campaign office, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the desks and chairs, creating a sense of quiet contemplation and uncertainty.As California's gubernatorial race shifts after a high-profile withdrawal, political donors and endorsers cautiously reassess their support for the remaining candidates.Today in Sacramento

The withdrawal of former Congressman Eric Swalwell from California's gubernatorial race has created uncertainty as major donors and endorsers reassess their support for the remaining candidates. Political experts say groups that had backed Swalwell are now 'shell shocked' and trying to 'catch their breath' before deciding where to direct their resources. Some donors who feel 'burned' by Swalwell may wait to re-engage, while candidates like Katie Porter and Matt Mahan are positioning themselves to attract Swalwell's institutional support.

Why it matters

Swalwell's exit from the race leaves a significant fundraising and endorsement void that the other Democratic and Republican candidates are now vying to fill. This fluidity in the race could impact the dynamics of the June primary, where there are concerns about the possibility of two Republican candidates advancing to the general election if Democrats fail to consolidate support behind a strong frontrunner.

The details

Before dropping out, Swalwell's campaign had raised more than $7 million and secured endorsements from groups like the California Teachers Association and SEIU. However, these endorsements were withdrawn as allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Swalwell surfaced. Republican strategist Rob Stutzman said the groups that had backed Swalwell are 'trying to catch their breath and assess what's going on' and can't 'make another misstep to their members.' Democratic strategist Andrew Acosta said donors who feel 'burned' by Swalwell may not re-engage until later, if at all. Meanwhile, candidates like Katie Porter and Matt Mahan are positioning themselves to attract Swalwell's institutional support.

  • Swalwell officially resigned from Congress, effective Tuesday.
  • Swalwell withdrew from the California gubernatorial race on Sunday.

The players

Eric Swalwell

Former Congressman who withdrew from the California gubernatorial race amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

Rob Stutzman

Republican political strategist.

Andrew Acosta

Democratic political strategist.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire leading the pack of frontrunners in fundraising with $121.8 million, almost entirely his own money.

Matt Mahan

Gubernatorial candidate who is second in fundraising with $12.3 million.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“People are shell shocked. You've got big unions, you've got a lot of business interests that started to mobilize for Swalwell also, and I think - at the moment - they're trying to catch their breath and assess what's going on. They can't make another misstep to their members.”

— Rob Stutzman, Republican strategist

“Smart money people are going to wait a little bit before they just jump on the next person.”

— Andrew Acosta, Democratic strategist

What’s next

Major Super PACs are now funding fresh polls this week to get their first real read on the race without Swalwell, and those numbers will likely drive where the big money moves next.

The takeaway

Swalwell's withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race has created significant uncertainty as donors and endorsers reassess their support for the remaining candidates. This fluidity in the race could impact the dynamics of the June primary, where there are concerns about the possibility of two Republican candidates advancing to the general election if Democrats fail to consolidate support behind a strong frontrunner.