California Governor’s Race: 5 Explosive Moments That Made It Close
California's gubernatorial primary features 61 candidates including Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, and Tom Steyer after frontrunner Eric Swalwell's campaign collapsed amid sexual misconduct allegations.
A gubernatorial race marked by scandal, bitter infighting, and accusations of corruption has dominated California politics ahead of Tuesday’s primary, according to New York Post.
Sixty-one candidates are competing to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, with former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Trump-endorsed Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, and billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer leading the crowded field for California’s top office.
As voting concludes Tuesday at 8 p.m., New York Post reports that five pivotal moments shaped what observers are calling one of the most turbulent gubernatorial contests in state history.
Swalwell Allegations Upend Race
The most explosive development came with the sudden collapse of former Congressman Eric Swalwell‘s campaign following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Swalwell had commanded the race with 17.3 percent support in polling ahead of the June primary, positioning him as the frontrunner. That status evaporated virtually overnight when a former staffer accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2019 while she was too intoxicated to consent.
Former model and entrepreneur Lonna Drewes subsequently accused the congressman of drugging, choking, and raping her during a 2018 encounter. Additional women came forward alleging he sent unsolicited explicit messages and nude photographs through social media platforms.
Rival candidates including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond demanded Swalwell exit the race. Key supporters withdrew their endorsements as political pressure intensified.
Swalwell denied all allegations, characterizing them as false and politically motivated attacks. The defense proved futile. Within days, he suspended his gubernatorial bid, faced a House Ethics Committee probe, and resigned from Congress.
Swalwell remains under active investigation by the Department of Justice, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office, which referred the matter to its Sex Crimes Division, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Becerra Surges Amid Corruption Questions
Becerra, who served as California’s 33rd attorney general from 2017 to 2021 before President Joe Biden appointed him Health and Human Services secretary, emerged as the primary beneficiary of Swalwell’s downfall.
Previously polling in single digits behind Katie Porter, Becerra surged to the lead by capturing independent and Democratic voters who had supported Swalwell.
His campaign has faced scrutiny over oil industry donations, an awkward confrontation with a KTLA journalist, and his connection to a former aide ensnared in federal corruption charges.
Dana Williamson, who served as Newsom’s chief of staff between 2022 and 2024 and managed Becerra’s 2018 attorney general campaign, pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
Williamson’s link to Becerra became a campaign flashpoint after Swalwell’s exit. Steyer and Porter have raised questions about Becerra’s knowledge of the campaign finance scheme and potential political liability.
Becerra was not charged in the federal probe, which alleges Williamson, former chief of staff Sean McCluskie, and lobbyist Greg Campbell funneled campaign funds to McCluskie’s wife through a fictitious job. The indictment states Becerra was informed Williamson would receive ten thousand dollars monthly from his dormant campaign account but was not told the money would ultimately reach McCluskie’s spouse.
McCluskie and Campbell pleaded guilty last fall. Williamson awaits sentencing. Becerra has described learning of the scheme as a “gut punch.” Prosecutors consider him a victim.
Porter Videos Damage Campaign
Former Representative Katie Porter’s campaign sustained significant damage after multiple videos showing her losing her temper went viral.
The footage included a heated 2021 Zoom call in which she berated a staffer, and a separate on-air confrontation where she threatened to walk out of an interview with a CBS reporter.
The controversy stunted Porter’s campaign momentum considerably, according to New York Post.
With information from New York Post
