Swalwell's Exit Shakes Up California Governor's Race

Billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter stand to gain the most as Democrats lack a clear front-runner.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, abstract painting of a political symbol like a podium or gavel in overlapping waves of vibrant blue, green, and orange, conveying the unsettled and chaotic nature of the California governor's race.The California governor's race has been upended by the scandal-driven exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell, leaving the Democratic field in disarray.San Jose Today

Rep. Eric Swalwell's departure from the California governor's race due to a scandal has opened up the crowded Democratic field, with billionaire Tom Steyer and former Rep. Katie Porter seen as the top beneficiaries. The lack of a clear Democratic favorite has raised concerns within the party, as high-profile candidates like former Vice President Kamala Harris opted not to run. Steyer and Porter are now trying to siphon Swalwell's support, while other candidates like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra are also attempting to break into the top tier.

Why it matters

California's next governor will wield significant influence over the world's fourth-largest economy and a key hub of resistance to the Trump administration. The race has been marked by a surprisingly weak Democratic bench and voter apathy, raising concerns that two Republicans could advance to the general election from the unusual June 2 jungle primary.

The details

Swalwell was one of the top-polling candidates until sexual misconduct allegations upended his campaign. He dropped out of the race on Sunday and resigned from Congress on Tuesday, giving other Democrats a chance to siphon his support. Steyer, who is tapping into his fortune to outspend his competition, and Porter stand to benefit most from Swalwell's departure, according to several California political strategists. But Democratic candidates who had been all but written off - including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former U.S. health secretary and state attorney general Xavier Becerra - are trying to seize on the upheaval to break into the top tier.

  • Swalwell dropped out of the race on Sunday, April 14, 2026.
  • Swalwell resigned from Congress on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Tom Steyer

A billionaire who is tapping into his fortune to outspend his competition in the California governor's race.

Katie Porter

A former congresswoman who is trying to siphon support from Swalwell's campaign.

Matt Mahan

The San Jose mayor and a more centrist candidate who has received a boost from wealthy donors after Swalwell's exit.

Xavier Becerra

The former U.S. health secretary and state attorney general who is attempting to break into the top tier of candidates.

Eric Swalwell

The former congressman whose scandal-tainted departure from the race has shaken up the Democratic field.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“But it's not necessarily good interest, it's kind of this, 'Wow, what is this field of candidates?'”

— Brian Brokaw, Democratic political consultant

“Tom's tough. He's got money to burn, and he's got a message that a lot of people like.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

What’s next

The next two weeks will be key to determining who will benefit most from Swalwell's exit by picking up his former endorsers and receiving funding that would have gone to him, according to political strategists. Mail ballots will be sent out May 4.

The takeaway

Swalwell's departure has exposed a surprisingly weak Democratic bench in California, raising concerns that the party may struggle to field a strong candidate to succeed the term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. The race is now wide open, with Steyer and Porter seen as the top beneficiaries, but other lesser-known candidates are also trying to capitalize on the upheaval.