Particle.news
Download on the App Store
38 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Betty Yee Exits California Governor’s Race and Backs Tom Steyer

The move underscores Democratic efforts to consolidate before mail ballots go out in early May.

Image
Betty Yee speaks during a gubernatorial candidate forum on Latino and immigrant communities in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra walks down the steps after speaking at a campaign event in Los Angeles, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Overview

  • Betty Yee, who suspended her campaign Monday, has now endorsed Tom Steyer in the crowded governor’s race.
  • Her departure leaves six prominent Democrats competing with two leading Republicans, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, for two November spots.
  • Recent polls taken after Eric Swalwell’s exit show Republican Steve Hilton leading, with Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer gaining and a large share of voters still undecided.
  • Party chair Rusty Hicks is pressing lower‑polling Democrats to reassess as the top‑two primary rules risk splitting the vote and sending two Republicans to the general election.
  • Ballots are set to reach voters in early May ahead of the June 2 primary, and because of filing deadlines both Yee and Swalwell will still appear on the ballot.