SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s race for governor has been thrown into chaos after Representative Eric Swalwell unexpectedly withdrew from the contest, leaving Democrats without a clear frontrunner as mail-in ballots are set to go out in less than four weeks.
The Golden State’s unique primary system has party leaders worried about being completely shut out come November. Under California’s top-two format, all candidates appear on a single ballot, with only the highest two vote-getters moving forward regardless of political affiliation. Democratic officials are concerned their large field of contenders could split their voter base, potentially allowing two Republican candidates to claim both spots in the general election.
The battle to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek reelection due to term limits, has become increasingly contentious as hopefuls clash over debate participation rules and identity-based campaign strategies.
Among the leading Republican contenders is Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff who took office in 2018. Bianco has been a vocal advocate for former President Donald Trump’s agenda throughout his three-decade career in law enforcement.
Recently, Bianco made headlines by confiscating over 500,000 ballots from a November special election, claiming he was looking into vote counting irregularities. Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging this action, and California’s highest court has ordered him to halt the investigation.
Steve Hilton brings a media background to the Republican field, having hosted a program on Fox News for six years while also serving as an advisor to former British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Last week, Trump praised Hilton as “a truly fine man” and gave him his endorsement. However, the state Republican Party chose not to back any candidate during their recent convention.
On the Democratic side, Katie Porter stands out as a former House representative famous for using whiteboards during congressional hearings to challenge corporate executives. She first won her Orange County seat in 2018 by defeating a Republican incumbent, though her 2024 Senate bid was unsuccessful.
Porter faced controversy last year when she nearly ended a television interview early following a tense exchange with the interviewer. She has also dealt with accusations regarding her management style with staff members.
Porter represents one of just two prominent female candidates in the race. California has never had a woman serve as governor.
Tom Steyer, a billionaire who made his fortune in hedge funds before becoming a liberal political activist, is largely self-funding his gubernatorial campaign. The progressive candidate also mounted an unsuccessful White House run in 2020.
Steyer has recently faced increased scrutiny over his previous financial involvement with coal mining operations and private prison facilities that now house immigration detainees.
Matt Mahan, currently serving as San Jose’s mayor, emerged as a frequent critic of Newsom before officially entering the race this past January. Positioning himself as a centrist Democrat, he has rapidly secured millions in backing from Silicon Valley executives and other business interests.
Mahan’s political career began in 2020 when he won a city council seat, followed by his mayoral victory in 2022, marking his initial foray into elected positions.
Betty Yee brings extensive state government experience, having previously held the controller position and served as vice chair of the state Democratic Party. In her role as the state’s chief financial officer, she managed fund distribution, conducted government audits, and participated in more than 70 boards and commissions.
While Yee has attempted to establish herself as a progressive leader, her campaign has failed to build significant support despite launching her gubernatorial bid over two years ago.
Xavier Becerra served as President Biden’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, leading the federal COVID-19 response efforts. He also held the position of California Attorney General during Trump’s initial presidency and spent more than twenty years in Congress.
Even with his statewide electoral success, Becerra’s campaign has struggled to gain momentum. His former chief of staff was charged with federal corruption last year for allegedly stealing campaign funds from Becerra, though Becerra himself faces no accusations.
Antonio Villaraigosa made history in 2014 when he became Los Angeles mayor, the first Latino to hold that office in over 100 years. His political background includes time in the state Legislature, where he served as Assembly Speaker.
This marks Villaraigosa’s second gubernatorial attempt, having lost to Newsom in the 2018 primary without reaching the general election.
Tony Thurmond has overseen the state’s education system as Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2019. He gained attention for fighting against policies that would require school personnel to inform parents when students change their pronouns or gender identity. He previously served in the state Legislature.
