California Democrats Struggle to Find Their Candidate

California Democrats Struggle to Find Their Candidate

Mark Liebovich: “The fact that Swalwell was, until recently, the Democrats’ leading candidate for governor is itself illustrative of the race writ large. Or, as far as the people still running, writ small. The glaring lack of candidate talent, political skill, and personal appeal—let alone star power—has been the defining quality of the race.” “Bigger names, such as Kamala Harris and Senator Alex Padilla, opted not to run. Newsom is term-limited…

California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help

From left, Betty Yee, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Matt Mahan and Xavier Becerra participate in a gubernatorial candidate forum hosted by California Immigrant Policy Center, California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation, and ACLU California Action at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento on April 14, 2026. (Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters)Despite Rep. Eric Swalwell’s exit from the race las…