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The California Governor's Race Is a Debacle

Source: RealClearPolitics April 19, 2026 at 10:26 PM (9 hours ago) California House

Eric Swalwell, a Bay Area congressman, was gaining momentum in the California gubernatorial race to succeed Gavin Newsom, emerging as a frontrunner among a weak field of candidates. The article suggests the race has become chaotic and poorly managed, characterizing it as a 'debacle' despite Swalwell's rising profile.

Key Points

  • Congressman Eric Swalwell positioned himself as a leading candidate in the California governor's race
  • The candidate field is described as weak and fragmented, with Swalwell building momentum against lesser-known opponents
  • The overall race dynamics are characterized negatively as disorganized and troubled