SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The fallout from Rep. Eric Swalwell's withdrawal from the California governor campaign has drastically reshaped an already wide-open race with under a month until mail-in voting begins. Current Democratic leaders are expressing anxiety about being shut out of the general election due to an unusually crowded primary that risks splitting their vote.
California's unique top-two primary system complicates matters; all candidates appear on a single ballot and only the top two candidates — regardless of party affiliation — progress to the November election. Despite a strong Democratic presence in the state, party leaders worry that the multitude of candidates may inadvertently pave the way for two Republicans to secure those coveted spots.
As the race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who will be stepping down, unfolds, debates surrounding eligibility and identity politics have added further complexity to the contest.
Prominent Candidates
Chad Bianco, Republican
The Riverside County sheriff and staunch Trump supporter, Bianco has taken dramatic steps this election cycle by seizing over half a million ballots amid claims of voter discrepancies, an action which has generated significant legal challenges.
Steve Hilton, Republican
A former conservative commentator and adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Hilton has gained the endorsement of Donald Trump even as the state party refrains from securing an official endorsement.
Katie Porter, Democrat
Known for her confrontational style in Congress, Porter remains a significant candidate. As one of the few prominent women in the race, she faces scrutiny stemming from past incidents and challenges during her previous Senate run.
Tom Steyer, Democrat
The billionaire hedge-fund manager shifted to activist politics and is financing his candidacy largely out of his wealth. However, he is also under scrutiny for prior business investments that clash with his progressive agenda.
Matt Mahan, Democrat
The moderate San Jose mayor is leveraging strong financial support from business sectors, having rapidly built his campaign presence.
Betty Yee, Democrat
The former State Controller has encountered difficulty in gaining traction with her long-standing progressive credentials, despite her extensive political background.
Antonio Villaraigosa, Democrat
Having previously served as mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa returns to the governor's race following a failed bid in 2018, hoping to capitalize on his established political identity.
With the landscape shifting significantly post-Swalwell, the Democratic Party faces a crucial moment where strategic positioning could determine not just who moves forward, but the future of California's leadership.
