The LBDC Voter Guide will be updated based on Swalwell suspending his campaign. Check back on 4/25/26 for updated recommendations from the Laguna Beach Democratic Club.

Updated April 17, 2026

The race for California's next governor just got a lot more complicated — and a lot more urgent — for Democrats.

Swalwell Out, Field in Flux

Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor following explosive allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Swalwell denied the allegations but acknowledged "mistakes in judgment." He resigned from Congress shortly after.

The timing could not be worse. Because the official candidate filing deadline had already passed, Swalwell's name will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot, and early mail ballots begin going out to voters on May 4.

The Danger of California's Top-Two Primary

Here's what every Democrat needs to understand: under California's voting system, the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the November general election regardless of party. If the primary were held today, that could mean two Republicans — each pulling around 14–17% — facing each other in the fall, with no Democrat on the November ballot at all. 

What's at Stake and What Comes Next

The June 2 primary is less than seven weeks away. With mail ballots dropping in just over two weeks, the window for Democrats to coalesce is closing fast. Watch the April 22 debate closely — it will be the first major face-off since Swalwell's departure and could reshape the race significantly.

Now is the time to get informed, get active, and make sure your voice is heard in the primary.