EMILY's List Touts Porter as 'Strongest Path to Victory' After Swalwell Exit

Pro-abortion PAC argues Porter best positioned to win California governor race following Swalwell's departure.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:08pm by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary political podium or lectern in a dimly lit, urban setting, with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic atmosphere.As the California governor's race heats up, the EMILY's List memo positions Katie Porter as the Democratic Party's best hope to claim victory.San Francisco Today

EMILY's List, the pro-abortion PAC, is circulating a memo claiming that its endorsed California gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), stands to gain the most from Eric Swalwell's exit from the race. The memo argues Porter is 'the most-prepared candidate to meet this moment' and offers Democrats the 'strongest path to victory in California'.

Why it matters

The memo from EMILY's List, a powerful Democratic fundraising group, signals a push to rally support behind Porter as the party's best chance to win the California governor's race following Swalwell's departure amid sexual assault allegations. This could have significant implications for the state's political landscape.

The details

According to the EMILY's List memo, an internal campaign poll found that 46% of Swalwell voters named Porter as their second choice, compared to 14% for Tom Steyer. The organization argues that in a 'two-candidate Democratic race,' Porter is tied with Steyer and positioned to gain as voting approaches. The memo also maintains that Porter is uniquely positioned to lead California in opposition to the 'disastrous and dangerous policies' of the Trump administration, contrasting her with Steyer, whom it describes as 'an out-of-touch billionaire trying to buy himself the state's highest office'.

  • EMILY's List circulated the memo on April 17, 2026.

The players

EMILY's List

A pro-abortion political action committee that previously backed failed presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris.

Katie Porter

A former U.S. Representative from California and the endorsed gubernatorial candidate of EMILY's List.

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Representative from California who has exited the governor's race amid sexual assault allegations.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire businessman who is also running for California governor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The California Democratic primary election is scheduled for June 2026, and the general election will take place in November 2026.

The takeaway

The EMILY's List memo underscores the high stakes and intense political maneuvering surrounding the California governor's race, as the Democratic Party seeks to maintain control of the state's highest office. Porter's potential rise as the party's standard-bearer could have significant implications for the state's policy direction and national political dynamics.