5 takeaways from first major California governor’s debate after Swalwell exit
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Six candidates debated for California governor after Rep. Eric Swalwell exited the race.
How This Affects You
The lack of a clear frontrunner in the California governor's race could lead to an unpredictable primary election outcome, affecting future state leadership.
AI Summary
Six candidates running for California governor participated in their first major debate on Wednesday. The forum occurred just weeks after Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), a Democratic frontrunner, dropped out of the race. Political observers noted that the debate created more questions than answers regarding the Democratic field. This struggle to coalesce around a candidate comes ahead of the June primary election.
Source Coverage Map
8 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Xavier Becerra on California gubernatorial debate, lessons from Biden administration and more

California governor race odds swing wildly after snoozy debate - New York Post

California's woes at the center of debate among leading candidates for governor

Candidates for California Governor Debate: 5 Takeaways - The New York Times
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Eric Swalwell's Campaign Suspension Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Representative Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California Governor following multiple sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The scandal has led to calls for his resignation from Congress and an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security regarding his nanny's employment status.
Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Bid Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Representative Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The accusations have led to calls for his resignation from Congress and an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security into his alleged illegal employment of a nanny.
Eric Swalwell Suspends California Governor Campaign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Representative Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign for California governor following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The Department of Homeland Security is also investigating claims that Swalwell hired an unauthorized nanny, adding to the pressure from within his own party for him to resign.
Eric Swalwell Exits California Governor's Race Amid Assault Allegations
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has withdrawn from the California governor's race following mounting sexual assault allegations. The accusations have led to growing calls for his resignation from the House of Representatives and sparked bipartisan furor, with some demanding expulsion votes for other accused members of Congress.
AI & Technology
Following the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its impact on society, including regulation debates, workforce disruption, military applications, privacy concerns, and the race between tech giants and governments to shape AI's future.
Civil Rights & Justice
Following developments in civil rights, criminal justice reform, voting rights, Supreme Court decisions, policing accountability, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice across American institutions.
California Governor's Race Heats Up After Swalwell's Exit
The California gubernatorial race is intensifying following Rep. Eric Swalwell's withdrawal. Multiple candidates participated in a debate, focusing on key issues like homelessness and the cost of living, as the field narrows and campaigning ramps up.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsAnother Democrat exits crowded campaign for California governor - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxNZWJHOThsTWhzdk9zYUpSUk0wN1d5NEdpaGsxUUFDWjFtNXlfODBMMDdYcEotalFHR05XbXl1MFozRDJiSjA1TmdJQTN5dVR0c1B6Y2lpaW9Wa0w5RE1tdC04ZXhBTVh1M3hfcGFCYU51clR6X2RsUExDS2ZRdXl2WWhUN2NCWllDbVduLTJmOGVNOW1VN255VTFJOGwtZW5i?oc=5" target="_blank">Another Democrat exits crowded campaign for California governor</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsProgressive Group Founded by Bernie Sanders Endorses Billionaire for California Governor
With voters on the left split across a wide Democratic field, Our Revolution says it backed Tom Steyer to avoid handing the seat to a Republican. The post Progressive Group Founded by Bernie Sanders Endorses Billionaire for California Governor appeared first on The Intercept .
PoliticsCalifornia gubernatorial candidate Matt Mahan calls out "waste and inefficiency in government"
Eric Swalwell's departure upended an already chaotic race for California governor. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who is looking for support from the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, joins "The Takeout" to discuss his gubernatorial campaign.
PoliticsRepublican gubernatorial candidate dismisses Trump’s approval rating in California
Steve Hilton, a Republican running for governor in California, said Sunday that President Trump’s low approval rating in his state will not play a role in the outcome of the gubernatorial race. “This election is going to be about the future of California and the fact that we’re desperate for change in California,” Hilton, whom…
PoliticsCalifornia officials tout historic drop in violence as killings fall to record low
<p>State’s strict gun policies heralded as data shows 35% reduction in homicides between 2022 and 2024</p><p>California officials are touting a historic three-year decrease in homicides and gun violence that has led to the state’s lowest number of killings on record.</p><p>The number of homicides in California decreased by 35% between 2022 and 2024, with 2,304 deaths reported in 2022 and 1,768 in 2024, <a href="https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D158;jsessionid=90709D2EC66131AC6C4E21AF4D29?stage=results&action=sort&direction=MEASURE_DESCEND&measure=D158.M1">according data from</a> the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The dip in homicides was most pronounced for teenage and young adult Black and Latino males, who have historically faced the highest risk of being killed or injured by gunshot wounds. Suicides, the most common type of gun deaths, also fell to record lows, according to the report.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/...
PoliticsThere Are Eric Swalwells Across State Governments
Two lawmakers—Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales—resigned from office last week amid unrelated House Ethics Committee investigations over alleged sexual misconduct. And yesterday, the Committee stated that since 2017, they have initiated no less than 20 misconduct investigations against members of Congress, most of whom have not ended up resigning. Sexual misconduct is pervasive in America’s […]

Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as less-dangerous drug
The order signed by Todd Blanche does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law. But it does change the way it's regulated.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump

One in three Americans forced to make financial sacrifices for health coverage

Trump-branded data center project CEO departs

6 crew still missing after overturned ship that disappeared after typhoon is found near Saipan - AP News

US Live Nation and Ticketmaster verdict triggers calls for Australian investigation into ticketing rules


