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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.

Latest Developments

CBS News85/100Apr 23, 2026

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

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra discussed his campaign and lessons from the Biden administration during an appearance on "The Takeout." Becerra, who previously served as Health and Human Services Secretary, is reportedly gaining traction in recent polls for the California gubernatorial race. This interview provides insight into his platform and strategy as a rising contender. His experience in the Biden administration could inform his approach to state-level governance. The discussion offers voters a chance to understand his vision for California.

Google News - US85/100Apr 23, 2026

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

Odds for the California governor race shifted dramatically following a recent debate described as "snoozy." This change suggests that the unexciting nature of the debate, or perhaps specific moments within it, had a significant impact on public perception or betting markets. The wild swing in odds indicates increased volatility and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the gubernatorial contest. This development could reflect either a tightening race or a significant shift in support for one candidate over another, potentially influencing voter behavior as the election approaches.

PBS NewsHour94/100Apr 23, 2026

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

Leading candidates for California governor are debating the state's significant challenges. This marks the first time in a generation that California's highest office is a wide-open contest, drawing over 50 names onto the ballot. The debate centers on addressing various "woes" facing the heavily Democratic state. This election cycle is unusual for California, which typically sees incumbents or clear frontrunners. Voters will choose from a broad field to address critical issues.

CBS News85/100Apr 23, 2026

California governor race heats up after Swalwell's exit

California's gubernatorial hopefuls participated in a debate on Wednesday. This event occurred after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race, intensifying the competition among the remaining candidates. The debate provides a key platform for candidates to distinguish themselves following Swalwell's exit. Laurel Rosenhall of The New York Times is reporting on the developments for CBS News.

Google News - Top Stories85/100Apr 23, 2026

Candidates for California Governor Debate: 5 Takeaways - The New York Times

Candidates for California Governor recently participated in a debate, as reported by The New York Times. This event allowed the public to hear directly from those vying for the state's top executive office. The debate provided five key takeaways, offering insights into the candidates' platforms and policy positions. This is significant as it helps voters understand their choices ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. The discussion likely covered critical issues facing California residents and the state's economy.

Key Facts

Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the California gubernatorial race, intensifying the competition.

Source: CBS News

Six leading candidates participated in a televised debate, discussing issues such as homelessness and the cost of living.

Source: New York Times

CBS News California launched an interactive guide for the governor's race, allowing voters to compare candidates.

Source: CBS News

The debate was the first major event since Swalwell's exit, shaping the dynamics among remaining candidates.

Source: The Hill

Recent Highlights

April 24, 2024

Six candidates for California Governor participated in their first major debate after Rep. Eric Swalwell's withdrawal.

Full Coverage (12 articles)

Apr 23, 2026

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

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra discussed his campaign and lessons from the Biden administration during an appearance on "The Takeout." Becerra, who previously served as Health and Human Services Secretary, is reportedly gaining traction in recent polls for the California gubernatorial race. This interview provides insight into his platform and strategy as a rising contender. His experience in the Biden administration could inform his approach to state-level governance. The discussion offers voters a chance to understand his vision for California.

Apr 23, 2026

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

Odds for the California governor race shifted dramatically following a recent debate described as "snoozy." This change suggests that the unexciting nature of the debate, or perhaps specific moments within it, had a significant impact on public perception or betting markets. The wild swing in odds indicates increased volatility and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the gubernatorial contest. This development could reflect either a tightening race or a significant shift in support for one candidate over another, potentially influencing voter behavior as the election approaches.

Apr 23, 2026

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

Leading candidates for California governor are debating the state's significant challenges. This marks the first time in a generation that California's highest office is a wide-open contest, drawing over 50 names onto the ballot. The debate centers on addressing various "woes" facing the heavily Democratic state. This election cycle is unusual for California, which typically sees incumbents or clear frontrunners. Voters will choose from a broad field to address critical issues.

Apr 23, 2026

California governor race heats up after Swalwell's exit

California's gubernatorial hopefuls participated in a debate on Wednesday. This event occurred after Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race, intensifying the competition among the remaining candidates. The debate provides a key platform for candidates to distinguish themselves following Swalwell's exit. Laurel Rosenhall of The New York Times is reporting on the developments for CBS News.

Apr 23, 2026

Candidates for California Governor Debate: 5 Takeaways

Six leading candidates for California Governor participated in a televised debate, yielding "few fireworks" despite the volatile nonpartisan primary. This event occurred after Eric Swalwell's departure from the race, which has influenced the primary's dynamics. The debate allowed voters to assess the candidates' stances and readiness for the state's top office. As a nonpartisan primary, all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete for the top two spots to advance to the general election. The debate's outcome provides "5 Takeaways" for those following the gubernatorial contest.

Apr 23, 2026

Candidates for California Governor Debate: 5 Takeaways - The New York Times

Candidates for California Governor recently participated in a debate, as reported by The New York Times. This event allowed the public to hear directly from those vying for the state's top executive office. The debate provided five key takeaways, offering insights into the candidates' platforms and policy positions. This is significant as it helps voters understand their choices ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. The discussion likely covered critical issues facing California residents and the state's economy.

Apr 23, 2026

Leading California governor candidates spar in debate as topsy-turvy race heats up

Six candidates for California governor debated issues like homelessness and the cost of living crisis, marking the first such event since Eric Swalwell's campaign ended due to sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The debate highlighted an unusually wide-open race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, with no clear frontrunner emerging. Nearly a quarter of voters remain undecided ahead of the June 2 primary in the heavily Democratic state. This competitive field suggests a potentially unpredictable outcome for California's next gubernatorial election.

Apr 23, 2026

Rivals Target Steyer, Becerra in Debate As California Governor Race Tightens - KQED

During a recent debate, rivals specifically targeted Steyer and Becerra as the California Governor Race tightens. This focused criticism indicates that Steyer and Becerra are perceived as leading contenders or significant threats among the field of candidates. The tightening race suggests increased competition and a potentially close outcome for the governorship. This dynamic could influence voter perception and campaign strategies as candidates vie for support.

Apr 23, 2026

5 takeaways from first major California governor’s debate after Swalwell exit

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.

Apr 23, 2026

5 takeaways from first major California governor’s debate after Swalwell exit - The Hill

The first major California governor’s debate occurred after Eric Swalwell's exit from the race, shaping the dynamics among the remaining candidates. This debate offered the public an initial look at the contenders' platforms and strategies without Swalwell's presence. The "5 takeaways" likely highlight key policy disagreements, candidate performances, and potential shifts in voter sentiment following the reduced field. These insights are crucial for understanding the evolving gubernatorial campaign and the challenges facing the eventual nominee. The debate sets the stage for future discussions and campaigning in California's gubernatorial election.

Apr 23, 2026

CBS News California launches interactive governor's race candidate guide

CBS News California has launched an interactive guide for the California governor's race. Developed by CBS News California Investigates, this tool allows voters to compare full, uninterrupted responses from candidates on various policy topics. This initiative provides a direct and comprehensive resource for the public to evaluate candidates' stances. The guide aims to offer transparency and detailed information to California voters ahead of the upcoming election.

Apr 23, 2026

Compare the candidates for California governor, side by side, on the issues that matter to you

CBS News California Investigates has released a Side-by-Side Candidate Guide for the California governor's race. This guide allows voters to compare candidates on key issues, providing a resource for understanding their stances. The initiative aims to inform the public ahead of the gubernatorial election, enabling voters to make more educated decisions. It focuses on issues deemed important to the electorate.