LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s gubernatorial campaign has entered a new phase following the stunning collapse of Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell’s candidacy.
Swalwell, who had emerged as a prominent contender to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, ended his campaign and announced his congressional resignation after facing sexual assault accusations. The remaining candidates are set to make their first joint public appearance Tuesday in Sacramento since Swalwell’s exit dramatically altered the competitive landscape.
Additional misconduct allegations against Swalwell are expected to be presented by attorneys Tuesday in Beverly Hills.
With no frontrunner emerging in the heavily Democratic state’s crowded field, Swalwell’s withdrawal creates opportunities for remaining contenders to court his former backers just weeks before early May mail-in voting begins. The June 2 primary featuring more than 50 candidates remains highly unpredictable.
For months, Democrats have worried that the extensive candidate roster could split votes enough to exclude the party entirely from November’s general election, potentially leaving only Republican nominees on the ballot due to state electoral procedures.
Republican candidates have also struggled to unite behind a single choice. While President Donald Trump has backed conservative media personality Steve Hilton, state party convention delegates declined to endorse any gubernatorial candidate, with support divided between Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Swalwell ended his campaign Sunday following reports in the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailing the allegations. He maintained his innocence, stating, “I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s.”
The following day, he announced plans to step down from Congress without specifying a timeline. In a post on X, he explained it would be unfair to constituents to remain distracted from his duties. He pledged to continue challenging the accusations while acknowledging, “I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
Political analysts find it challenging to predict where Swalwell’s base will migrate, with supporters likely dispersing among the seven remaining established Democratic candidates or potentially disengaging from the race entirely.
Nationally recognized as a House manager during Trump’s second impeachment proceedings in early 2021, Swalwell lacked extensive Democratic connections beyond his San Francisco Bay Area constituency.
Democratic candidates continue facing difficulties gaining voter momentum.
Billionaire hedge fund executive turned progressive activist Tom Steyer has invested heavily in media advertising using personal funds. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa seeks political redemption after his unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial bid, while Katie Porter stands among leading Democratic hopefuls following her unsuccessful 2024 Senate campaign.
Porter shared a San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece on X stating “Democrats can pull victory from the jaws of defeat by coalescing around Porter.” Steyer announced endorsements from several legislators, including Representative Jared Huffman, whose coastal district neighbors Swalwell’s territory north of San Francisco. Villaraigosa launched new advertising promising relief from gas and grocery expenses in the notoriously expensive state.
Despite suspending his campaign, Swalwell’s name will remain on ballots.
“Nobody has really caught fire,” observed Democratic strategist Andrew Acosta, who remains uninvolved in the campaign. Swalwell’s backers “will scatter out to other candidates.”
Many Democrats had hoped former Vice President Kamala Harris or Senator Alex Padilla would join the race, but both declined participation.
Several Sacramento lawmakers quickly transferred their endorsements from Swalwell to Steyer. Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz expressed confidence that Steyer would develop strong legislative relationships. Steyer’s business experience without prior elected office positions him to challenge existing practices, Schultz noted.
Democratic Assemblymember Corey Jackson, also switching to Steyer, said he wanted to support a viable candidate. He stated in a release that he and Steyer share a “commitment to building an economy rooted in dignity for working people.”
San Jose Democratic Mayor Matt Mahan, pursuing his first statewide office, attempted to differentiate himself from both Steyer and Republican candidate Hilton, known for his six-year Fox News hosting tenure.
With Swalwell eliminated, “now we have a field that’s got a billionaire who made his fortune investing in private prisons, ICE facilities, oil and gas companies … and a MAGA-backed TV commentator on the other hand,” Mahan said during an MSNBC “Morning Joe” appearance.
“California deserves so much better,” Mahan declared.
Swalwell’s rapid political demise occurred amid mounting pressure for his congressional departure. He previously lost backing from influential labor organizations supporting his candidacy, along with former allies including California Senator Adam Schiff and Representative Jimmy Gomez.
