While governor of California is one of the biggest jobs in America, for months the 2026 election has looked like a real snoozer. Now it’s suddenly turned into a huge mess for Democrats. This week, Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race and resigned from his U.S. House seat following credible rape and sexual-misconduct allegations. Since Swalwell was the leading Democrat in the race, his exit has revived fears that the November general election will feature two Republicans competing for the governorship of this very blue state.

Two general-election spots are up for grabs in the nonpartisan primary that concludes on June 2. Prior to Swalwell’s exit, RealClearPolitics polling averages showed four other candidates with support in the low to mid-teens. After Swalwell, Tom Steyer and Katie Porter led among Democrats. The top Republicans are Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.

Trump’s recent Hilton endorsement seemed to ensure that he’d win the GOP vote, ironically ending the threat of a GOP “lockout” in November. But with Swalwell’s voters up for grabs, that threat has reemerged. Multiple low-polling Democrats now see a path to victory. This includes former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and San Jose mayor Matt Mahan, who are all from the moderate wing of the party, like Swalwell. Mail ballots are set to go out to every California voter in early May.........

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