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The race to succeed California Gov. Gavin Newsom was marked by scandal, party infighting and national scrutiny — creating some controversial moments that could not be scripted.
Sixty-one candidates are on the ballot. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Trump-endorsed Fox News commentator Steve Hilton, and billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer all lead the field for the state’s top job.
As polls close Tuesday at 8 p.m., The California Post looks back at five pivotal moments that defined the race for governor.
No moment shook the governor’s race more than the sudden downfall offormer Congressman Eric Swalwell.
Swalwell appeared to be in command of the race in the days leading up to the scandal. Polling showed him leading the field with 17.3 percent support ahead of the June primary, and many political observers viewed him as one the candidate to beat — that changed almost overnight.
The first major allegation came from a former staffer who said Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 while she was too intoxicated to consent. Soon after, former model and entrepreneur Lonna Drewes accused the congressman of drugging, choking, and raping her during a 2018 encounter. Other women later alleged sexual misconduct, including claims he sent unsolicited explicit messages and nude photos via social media.
The accusations triggered an immediate political firestorm.
Rival candidates, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, called on Swalwell to leave the race. Several prominent supporters also withdrew their endorsements as pressure mounted.
Swalwell denied the allegations, describing them as false and politically motivated. But the fallout proved impossible to contain. Within days, he suspended his gubernatorial campaign, faced a House Ethics Committee investigation, and announced his resignation from Congress.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
