Swalwell gains traction in crowded California governor’s race
by Julia Mueller and Caroline Vakil - 03/18/26 6:00 AM ET
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-Calif.) campaign to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is gaining traction as the threat of a Republican upset grows in the crowded contest with no clear front-runner less than three months out from the primary.
New polling shows Swalwell’s support has ticked up in the Golden State’s nonpartisan primary, from which the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election, regardless of party. Buoyed by his national profile and notable endorsements, Swalwell appears in a position to edge past top party rivals, including former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and billionaire Tom Steyer.
But the race is still wide-open, with a plurality of voters still undecided as more than a half-dozen Democrats split their base’s support. The state party has called for candidates to consider dropping out to consolidate support, as strategists and experts raise alarms that two Republicans could advance in the deep blue stronghold.
“The polls are really good for Swalwell, not only obviously because they show he’s ahead of other Democrats, but also because they’ll help with fundraising,” said Jack Pitney, a politics professor at Claremont McKenna College. “A lot of Democratic contributors out there are looking for a horse to bet on, and the morning line seems to favor Swalwell.”
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https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5787942-swalwell-surge-california-gubernatorial-race/
