Election 2026 California Governor

Steve Hilton speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

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California governor candidates see opening after Swalwell’s exit

California governor candidates see opening after Swalwell’s exit

Candidates for California governor have gathered for the first time since U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell’s dramatic exit over sexual assault allegations. Five Democrats and one Republican attended a Sacramento forum, mostly sticking to their campaign points. Only two briefly mentioned the scandal involving Swalwell. Once a leading candidate, Swalwell’s departure has left the race wide open, with no clear leader among the over 50 candidates. Democrats fear a split vote could lock them out of the November election. Republicans also have yet to rally around a preferred candidate.