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Swalwell Scandal Upends California's Governor Race
His exit reshapes Democratic field, with Katie Porter, Tom Steyer likely benefiting
Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:50pm
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California's governor's race has been upended after Democratic candidate Eric Swalwell abruptly exited the contest and resigned from Congress following sexual assault allegations. This has scrambled the June 2 primary, with strategists describing 'chaos' as Democrats recalibrate in a race where only the top two finishers, regardless of party, advance to November's general election.
Why it matters
Swalwell's departure has shaken up the Democratic field, with former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer now seen as the most likely contenders. The race is wide open, and it's unclear which Democrat, if any, will end up on the fall ballot alongside the two leading Republican candidates.
The details
With seven major Democrats still in the race and just two leading Republicans, the primary has become a free-for-all. Porter and Steyer, who were closest to Swalwell in polls, are now seen as the frontrunners, with Steyer quickly picking up the powerful California Teachers Association endorsement that had previously gone to Swalwell. Other Democrats like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are also vying for attention and support.
- Swalwell abruptly exited the governor's race and resigned from Congress in April 2026.
- The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
The players
Eric Swalwell
A former Democratic congressman who was running for California governor before exiting the race and resigning from Congress following sexual assault allegations.
Katie Porter
A former Democratic congresswoman who is now seen as a frontrunner in the California governor's race.
Tom Steyer
A billionaire Democratic candidate for California governor who has gained momentum after Swalwell's exit, including securing the powerful California Teachers Association endorsement.
Steve Hilton
One of the two leading Republican candidates in the California governor's race, who is backed by former President Trump.
Xavier Becerra
California's former attorney general and ex-HHS secretary under President Biden, who is seeing a spike in online interest in the governor's race.
What they’re saying
“This really tosses the table over. You'll see some Democratic voters taking another look at candidates that maybe weren't at the top of their list.”
— Kim Nalder, Sacramento State political science professor
“I just truly hope that the race can start crystallizing so that we can move forward.”
— Scott Weiner, Democratic state senator
What’s next
With mail ballots going out in early May and more than $156 million already spent, campaigns are racing to turn the scandal-driven attention into actual votes before the June 2 primary election.
The takeaway
Swalwell's abrupt exit from the California governor's race has upended the Democratic field, creating a wide-open contest with no clear frontrunner. This shakeup has sent campaigns scrambling to recalibrate and capture the attention of voters before the critical primary election in June.
