Summary
The race for the next governor of California is crowded, with no clear Democratic frontrunner after Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign ended. California's primary system allows only the top two candidates, regardless of party, to move to the general election, raising concerns among Democrats about vote splitting. Several candidates from both major parties, including Chad Bianco, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Matt Mahan, Betty Yee, and Xavier Becerra, are vying for the position.
Key Facts
- Eric Swalwell's exit has left the Democratic field without a clear leader.
- California uses a top-two primary system where all candidates compete together, and only the top two advance.
- Democrats worry that a divided vote could let two Republicans advance to the general election.
- Republican candidates include Chad Bianco, supported by President Trump, and Steve Hilton, a former TV commentator.
- Democratic candidates include Katie Porter, an ex-congressmember, Tom Steyer, a former presidential candidate, Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, Betty Yee, ex-state controller, and Xavier Becerra, former U.S. health official.
- The general election is set for November, with mail-in voting beginning soon.
