California Governor's Race Upended After Swalwell's Exit

Potential for further scandal looms as the field reshuffles ahead of the primary election.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:29am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a fractured, overlapping depiction of a California state capitol building in shades of blue, green, and yellow, conveying a sense of motion and instability.The chaotic California governor's race has been marked by political turmoil and the potential for further scandal.Today in Sacramento

Eric Swalwell's departure from the 2026 California gubernatorial election has opened the door for other candidates to advance, triggering a dramatic shift in the race. According to a recent Emerson College Polling survey, former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra saw the largest boost since Swalwell's exit, while Republican commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco continue to lead the pack. The contentious governor's race has been dogged by controversies and legal battles, raising concerns about potential scandals that could impact the outcome.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a high-stakes election with national implications. The potential for further scandal and the possibility of two Republicans advancing to the general election have Democrats concerned about their ability to maintain control of the state's top office.

The details

With seven major Democratic candidates splitting the vote, the race remains chaotic. Former Rep. Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan are also in the mix, but the two Republicans, Hilton and Bianco, continue to lead in the polls. Bianco has been engaged in a legal battle with state leaders over allegations of possible voter fraud in Riverside County, while Becerra faces a potential political corruption issue due to a former campaign manager stealing money from his campaign.

  • Swalwell ended his campaign for governor on Saturday, April 15, 2026.
  • Swalwell resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, April 17, 2026.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

Former U.S. Representative who was the frontrunner in the California gubernatorial race before dropping out amid allegations of sexual assault.

Xavier Becerra

Former California Attorney General who has seen a boost in support since Swalwell's exit, but faces a potential political corruption issue.

Steve Hilton

Republican commentator who is currently leading the polls and was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Chad Bianco

Republican Riverside County Sheriff who is engaged in a legal battle with state leaders over allegations of possible voter fraud.

Tom Steyer

Democratic billionaire businessman candidate who is tied with Bianco in the polls.

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What they’re saying

“Because of the top-two system, there is a chance two Democrats could advance in the general or two Republicans. More likely, though, is a Democrat and Republican in the general.”

— Christian Grose, Professor of political science and director of the USC Democracy and Fair Elections Lab

“Swalwell's assault allegations, had they come out in the general, would have potentially led to a Republican governor. Similarly, scandals around candidates like Xavier Becerra — who has a potential political corruption issue brewing due to a former campaign manager stealing money from his campaign — could blow up.”

— Christian Grose, Professor of political science and director of the USC Democracy and Fair Elections Lab

What’s next

The California Supreme Court has ordered Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to pause his election probe after his department seized more than 650,000 ballots. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the governor's race.

The takeaway

The California governor's race has become increasingly chaotic and contentious, with the potential for further scandal looming large. Democrats will need to carefully vet their candidates and avoid any missteps that could hand the governorship to a Republican in the general election.