San Jose Mayor Mahan Intensifies Bid for California Governor Amid Swalwell's Abrupt Exit

Mahan seeks to capitalize on turmoil caused by Swalwell's withdrawal following sexual misconduct allegations.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:10am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a California state capitol building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of political uncertainty and transition.The California governor's race remains in flux as candidates vie for the support of voters unsettled by the abrupt exit of a leading Democratic contender.San Jose Today

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has ramped up his campaign for California governor, publicly criticizing government inefficiency and seeking to gain ground in the unsettled race following Rep. Eric Swalwell's abrupt exit. Swalwell's departure from the crowded Democratic field has disrupted the contest, prompting rivals to vie for his former supporters ahead of the state's top-two primary.

Why it matters

Swalwell's withdrawal due to sexual misconduct allegations has upended the California governor's race, creating an opening for lesser-known candidates like Mahan to gain traction by positioning themselves as reform-oriented alternatives in a contest lacking a clear front-runner.

The details

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has intensified his campaign for California governor, launching a concentrated effort to increase his visibility across the state. Despite not reaching double digits in public polling, Mahan's campaign and an affiliated outside group are rolling out major advertising initiatives to introduce him to a broader electorate. Mahan, who has garnered attention and support from prominent technology leaders, is emphasizing critiques of governmental waste and inefficiency to position himself as a reform-oriented alternative in the race.

  • On April 13, 2026, Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress and suspension of his gubernatorial bid.
  • Early voting in California's governor race is set to begin in under three weeks.

The players

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose, California, who has intensified his campaign for California governor by publicly criticizing government inefficiency and seeking to capitalize on the turmoil caused by Rep. Eric Swalwell's abrupt exit from the race.

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic congressman who had been among the leading contenders for California governor but withdrew from the race on April 13, 2026, after facing sexual misconduct allegations.

Steve Hilton

A Republican candidate for California governor who is currently leading the race with 17% support, according to a recent Emerson College poll.

Chad Bianco

A Republican candidate for California governor who is currently in second place with 14% support, according to the Emerson College poll.

Tom Steyer

A former Democratic candidate for California governor who is currently leading the Democratic field with 14% support, according to the Emerson College poll.

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What they’re saying

“I will fight these false allegations and apologize for any past mistakes in judgment.”

— Eric Swalwell, Former Congressman

What’s next

With ballots already printed and early voting set to begin in under three weeks, Democrats are aggressively jockeying to consolidate support ahead of the state's top-two, all-party primary.

The takeaway

Swalwell's withdrawal from the California governor's race due to sexual misconduct allegations has created an opening for lesser-known candidates like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan to gain traction by positioning themselves as reform-oriented alternatives in a crowded and unsettled contest lacking a clear front-runner.