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California’s Governor Race Draws Crowded, Diverse Field as Newsom’s Exit Approaches
The race for California governor has exploded into one of the most competitive contests in recent memory, with a sprawling field of candidates vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom when his tenure ends in January 2027.
The latest entrant, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, joined the fray Thursday. Swalwell, who served as a House manager in Donald Trump’s 2021 impeachment trial and briefly sought his party’s 2020 presidential nomination, adds to an already crowded field of high-profile contenders.
California’s governorship, which pays $242,000 annually, offers more than just a salary. It provides a powerful national platform and influence in global affairs ranging from trade to climate policy. Newsom himself is widely expected to leverage this visibility into a future White House run after departing Sacramento.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, with candidates able to begin qualification steps next month. Newsom has not endorsed a successor, leaving the field wide open.
Democrats hold a commanding advantage in the race, with registered voters outnumbering Republicans by nearly 2-to-1 in the liberal-leaning state. No Republican has won statewide office in California in almost two decades. However, this dominance creates its own challenge for Democratic candidates – differentiating themselves when they largely agree on major issues.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has positioned himself toward the political center, emphasizing his record of tax cuts and public safety improvements during his mayoral tenure. Billionaire businessman Tom Steyer, who also mounted a 2020 presidential bid, has focused on affordability issues, pledging to reduce California’s near-highest-in-nation electricity rates by challenging utility monopolies.
“It’s a five-way, six-way jump ball and that ball could go in any direction,” Democratic consultant Michael Trujillo observed. “Any one of these Democrats running currently could be our next governor.”
California’s top-two primary system means the leading vote-getters advance to the November general election regardless of party. With such a crowded field, candidates might secure a November slot with just over 20% of the primary vote, making the margins razor-thin.
The Democratic field includes Swalwell, Villaraigosa, and Steyer alongside former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Biden administration health secretary Xavier Becerra, former state controller Betty Yee, schools superintendent Tony Thurmond, and real estate developer Stephen Cloobeck. Attorney General Rob Bonta, who previously ruled out a run, is now reconsidering.
Porter’s campaign hit turbulence in October when a snippet of a tense interview with a reporter went viral, followed by footage showing her berating a staffer in 2021. The unflattering episodes prompted mockery and questions about her temperament, though her campaign quickly rallied supporters to help minimize the damage.
Becerra faces challenges of his own. His former aide Sean McCluskie has been implicated in a scandal involving alleged theft from Becerra’s dormant state campaign accounts. Though Becerra himself isn’t indicted, Villaraigosa has already launched digital ads highlighting the connection and questioning Becerra’s judgment.
Despite Democrats’ dominance, Republicans maintain hope of surprising the field. Last year, former baseball star Steve Garvey finished second in the U.S. Senate primary, besting several Democratic heavyweights. The leading Republicans in the governor’s race – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton – aim to replicate this success by capitalizing on vote splitting among Democrats.
Adding to the uncertainty, billionaire shopping mall developer Rick Caruso hasn’t ruled out a gubernatorial bid following his unsuccessful run for Los Angeles mayor.
Whoever prevails will inherit formidable challenges, including California’s persistent homelessness crisis and projected multibillion-dollar budget shortfalls. With campaigns just beginning to take shape, the race remains fluid and unpredictable as candidates jockey for position in what promises to be an intensely competitive contest for leadership of America’s most populous state.
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14 Comments
The wide-open nature of this race, with no clear Newsom successor, sets the stage for a hard-fought and potentially unpredictable primary. Voters will have a lot of options to consider.
Swalwell’s entry adds another familiar name to the mix. His background could resonate with some, but may also draw skepticism from others. This race is shaping up to be quite the political drama.
With no clear successor endorsed by Newsom, the field is wide open. Voters will have a lot of options to consider, which could lead to a hard-fought and unpredictable primary.
The Democrats’ large registration advantage suggests they’re favored, but you never know what can happen in an open race like this. Lots of potential twists and turns ahead.
This California governor’s race has all the makings of a high-stakes political drama. The diverse field, potential scandals, and national implications make it one to watch closely.
Whoever emerges victorious will wield significant power and influence, not just in California but on the national stage as well. The stakes are high for this election.
Swalwell’s entry adds another layer of intrigue. His background as an impeachment manager could resonate with some voters, but may also draw skepticism from others. Lots to watch for in this race.
Newsom’s expected future White House ambitions also make this an important stepping stone. The next governor will have a major platform to raise their national profile.
A sheriff, a billionaire, and a tinge of scandal – this race sounds like it could make for some juicy political theater. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
With the governorship’s $242k salary and global influence, it’s no wonder this has attracted such a competitive field. Lots of ambition and intrigue at play.
This California governor’s race is shaping up to be quite the political drama. A diverse field of candidates vying for the powerful state leadership role – it will be interesting to see how the dynamics play out.
With Newsom’s departure, the next governor will have a major platform to influence national and global affairs. Lots at stake here.
Billionaires, scandals, and a crowded field – this race has all the makings of a political thriller. I’m curious to see how the voters respond to the different candidates and their platforms.
The $242k salary may be just a small part of the appeal. The real power and influence that comes with the California governorship is what’s really at play here.