The race to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom has shifted significantly following the abrupt exit of Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who suspended his gubernatorial campaign and announced plans to resign from Congress after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced.
Swalwell, once viewed as a leading contender in the heavily Democratic state, made his decision public on Sunday, April 12, 2026. He later stated on Monday, April 13, 2026, that he would step down from Congress, though he did not specify a timeline. In a public statement, Swalwell denied the allegations and said he would continue to contest them, while acknowledging that his focus on the matter would hinder his ability to serve constituents effectively.
The developments have reshaped an already crowded and unpredictable race ahead of the June 2, 2026, primary election. A scheduled candidate gathering in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marks the first major public appearance of the remaining contenders since Swalwell’s withdrawal. Separately, attorneys representing a woman accusing Swalwell indicated that additional allegations would be detailed the same day in Beverly Hills.
With more than 50 candidates on the ballot and no clear frontrunner, political analysts suggest Swalwell’s departure may fragment his support base rather than consolidate it behind a single candidate. Democratic concerns persist that a divided vote could allow two Republican candidates to advance to the general election under California’s top-two primary system.
Among Democrats, figures such as Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and Antonio Villaraigosa are seeking to gain momentum. Meanwhile, Republicans remain divided, with former President Donald Trump backing Steve Hilton, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco continues to draw support within the party.
Swalwell’s exit adds uncertainty to an already volatile contest, leaving both parties navigating a rapidly evolving political landscape in one of the nation’s most consequential state elections.
Swalwell, once viewed as a leading contender in the heavily Democratic state, made his decision public on Sunday, April 12, 2026. He later stated on Monday, April 13, 2026, that he would step down from Congress, though he did not specify a timeline. In a public statement, Swalwell denied the allegations and said he would continue to contest them, while acknowledging that his focus on the matter would hinder his ability to serve constituents effectively.
The developments have reshaped an already crowded and unpredictable race ahead of the June 2, 2026, primary election. A scheduled candidate gathering in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marks the first major public appearance of the remaining contenders since Swalwell’s withdrawal. Separately, attorneys representing a woman accusing Swalwell indicated that additional allegations would be detailed the same day in Beverly Hills.
With more than 50 candidates on the ballot and no clear frontrunner, political analysts suggest Swalwell’s departure may fragment his support base rather than consolidate it behind a single candidate. Democratic concerns persist that a divided vote could allow two Republican candidates to advance to the general election under California’s top-two primary system.
Among Democrats, figures such as Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, and Antonio Villaraigosa are seeking to gain momentum. Meanwhile, Republicans remain divided, with former President Donald Trump backing Steve Hilton, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco continues to draw support within the party.
Swalwell’s exit adds uncertainty to an already volatile contest, leaving both parties navigating a rapidly evolving political landscape in one of the nation’s most consequential state elections.
