CA-GOV: Why Swalwell and Steyer are surging in California governor's race

[RandySF]

SAN FRANCISCO — When Eric Swalwell and Tom Steyer jumped into the California governor’s race, much of the political class rolled its eyes — two failed presidential hopefuls with seemingly thin bases and no track record statewide.

Three months later they’re surging, with poll after poll placing them among the top three Democrats in the race. Without better-known and better-connected candidates running, Swalwell and Steyer have capitalized on their passing familiarity and, in Steyer’s case, bottomless wealth, to create surprisingly durable campaigns with a real shot at winning.

Swalwell and Steyer’s campaigns got legs because there still hasn’t been a breakout candidate,” said veteran California political consultant Elizabeth Ashford, who was a senior adviser to two former governors and chief of staff to Kamala Harris when she was state attorney general. “It’s still on the table.”

In a state that has produced a run of high-profile governors with national clout — from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Jerry Brown and now, Gavin Newsom — the rise of Swalwell and Steyer reflects a low-wattage and deeply unsettled contest. First Harris and Sen. Alex Padilla passed on running. Then state Attorney General Rob Bonta and billionaire mall magnate Rick Caruso declined. Former Rep. Katie Porter, an early frontrunner stung by viral videos of contentious interactions with a journalist and a staffer, failed to pull away from the field.



https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/21/swalwell-and-steyer-surge-in-wide-open-california-governors-race-00792365

[JI7]

1. What political class is this ? Swalwell is one of the more familiar

elected officials at the national level . He is active on social media and does a lot of media appearances.

With nobody else leading in the race it's not a surprise him or Steyer who can fund his own campaign and ads would lead.

Most of those who were expected to run and would have gotten more support decided not to run. Katie Porters own actions hurt herself. The refusing to answer in an interview just came off really badly.

[SunSeeker]

6. I wish Katie Porter had stayed in Congress with her white board.

She was so great at those oversight hearings, picking apart arrogant CEOs and department heads.

But she has not been able to get money backers as a statewide candidate, and won't take corporate PAC money, and that has hurt her ability to campaign across our huge state. That stupid kerfuffle over that video was really overblown, but it is emblematic of the weakness of her campaign that she was not able to push back better on that. Also, she's hurt by the sexist standards applied to women; she's just not cute and sweet enough for a lot of people.

Swalwell seems to be on the path to being California's next governor.

[NBachers]

2. I like Tom Steyer; he's got good ads; but I'm a Swalwell guy. There are rumblings about divided Dem candidates and a

Puke double-shot jungle primary. Anyone have comments about that? I know, it's still too early to tell, but I'm like 11% apprehensive about the nightmare scenario.

Please don't jump on me about Steyer billionaire this 'n' that. I like him right where he is, not buying his way into the Governor's slot.

[RandySF]

3. Some candidates should consider cutting bait, though.

A choice between two Republicans in November is no choice at all.

[rpannier]

4. Better him than Matt Mahan

[SunSeeker]

5. "Low wattage"? Fuck you, Politico. nt

[IcyPeas]

7. Antonio Villaraigosa (ex Los Angeles mayor) is still in the race

I've seen tv ads for Steyer and Villaraigosa. Barbara Boxer and Mayor Karen Bass have endorsed Villaraigosa.

“Antonio Villaraigosa is the right leader at the right time to lead our state as governor and would make history as the first Latino to be elected Governor of California.”

— Barbara Boxer
Former United States Senator
Villaraigosa Campaign Co-Chair

“Since his days as an activist on the eastside of Los Angeles, to his trailblazing work as Speaker of the California Assembly, and his leadership making Los Angeles a global leader tackling climate change, Antonio Villaraigosa will bring that same passion and conviction to stand up to Donald Trump's attacks on our state and deliver needed results to improve the lives of millions of Californians.”
— Karen Bass
43rd Mayor of Los Angeles

https://www.antonio2026.com/

[Sympthsical]

8. It's all so whelming

God, it is strange how low energy this whole thing is. I'm going to be so depressed if it's Swalwell. The guy's a Twitter personality. I caught him on some forum or other and he didn't seem to know anything about the issues. Just stories and "I'll fight Trump!"

Which is exactly what to expect from someone who's mainly a media presence.

I really hope our election isn't about Trump. We have some serious problems in this state.

Either way, I don't currently know anyone who's "Yes, I'm definitely voting for this person!" There is no excitement whatsoever.

Can Talarico move to California?