Swalwell Drops out of Governors Race

On April 12, 2026, Democratic Candidate and California Congressman quit the California governor’s race following reports of sexual misconduct. Swallwell was accused of several sexual assault and misconduct incidents by a former staff member and at least three other women. Swallwell has repeatedly denied these allegations.

Why has the California Governor’s Race Been so Competitive? 

Swalwell’s resignation shakes up a crowded California governor’s race, one about which some democrats had become increasingly nervous about as the June primary draws closer. The California Gubinatorial primary operates as a jungle primary, meaning that all candidates, regardless of party, run in one primary, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election. 

While Democrats have a supermajority in the California State Senate and State Assembly—31 Democrats to nine Republicans in the Senate, and 62 Democrats and 18 Republicans in the assembly—the governor’s race has polled better for Republicans in recent months. A February 2026 poll showed Republican Steve Hilton at 14%, followed closely by Democrat Katie Porter at 13%, and Republican Chad Bianco at 12%. The majority of the remaining vote was split between six other democratic rivals including Eric Swalwell. 

With Eric Swalwell—who, as of April, was considered a frontrunner in the race—dropping out, the outcome of the primary for Democrats is once again up in the air. On April 14th, two days after Swalwell announced he was leaving the race, polls showed Democratic candidate Tom Steyer leading with 21% of likely voters, while Republican candidate Steve Hilton polling at 18%. Notably the week before, the two frontrunners were Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. 

Reactions to Swallwell’s Resignation

At an April 13 Speaking engagement, former Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called Swalwell’s decision to resign, “Smart.” When asked if she had prior knowledge of the allegations against him, Pelosi stated “I had none whatsoever.” Fellow gubernatorial candidates also chimed in. At a Forum at the state Capitol, Democratic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa stated “The candidates need to consolidate around a candidate that doesn’t have a scandal.” Republican Steve Hilton also spoke on Swalwell’s resignation at Monday’s Forum, saying “We were leading before Eric Swalwell’s decision, we were leading the race before President Trump’s decision to endorse me, and I’m expecting now our lead to grow.” 

Because Swalwell resigned from his seat in Congress as well, current California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that a special election to fill the now vacant seat would take place August 18, 2026, with the candidate elected serving the remainder of the term until the November election.

What Might Swalwell’s Resignation Mean for the General Election?

While some analysts remain confident that Democrats could still secure both general election spots with Swalwell out of the race, others say Swalwell’s resignation has rendered an all-blue general election unlikely. While Democrats Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra are leading the pack in a few recent polls, other analysts point to a strong possibility that California voters may have to decide between two Republicans—likely Hilton and Bianco—in November if support for Democratic candidates remains fractured.