SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The sudden exit of Rep. Eric Swalwell from the California governor's race has thrown the ongoing campaign into turmoil, as local Democrats struggle to find a clear frontrunner. With mail-in voting set to begin soon, concerns are rising that the crowded candidate pool could divide party votes and result in two Republican candidates advancing to the November general election.
In California's unique top-two primary system, all candidates are placed on a single ballot, and only the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, progress to the general election. Given the Democrats' historical dominance in the state, insiders express anxiety that their overabundance of candidates could split their support.
The candidates vying to take over the governorship from Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited, include various notable figures:
Chad Bianco, Republican
A staunch Trump supporter with extensive law enforcement experience, Bianco has faced backlash after seizing a significant amount of ballots amidst a dispute regarding vote counts, leading to legal challenges.
Katie Porter, Democrat
A former congresswoman known for her aggressive questioning of CEOs, Porter is one of few prominent women in the race and has a track record of contesting Republican seats.
Tom Steyer, Democrat
The billionaire and progressive activist, who has self-financed much of his campaign, has been scrutinized for past business investments that could contradict his liberal stance.
The candidate landscape is vastly diverse, and as the deadline for mail-in voting approaches, the stakes are higher than ever for all those involved. The implications of Swalwell's departure are still unfolding, creating a critical moment for Democratic candidates across California.
