The sudden withdrawal of Representative Eric Swalwell from the California gubernatorial contest, followed by his resignation from Congress amid allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct, has upended the race and forced a recalibration of the first major primary debate stage.
New Poll to Determine Debate Participants
Because Swalwell had led all candidates in previous polling, Nexstar Media Group and its California station KTLA 5 have commissioned a new statewide survey to finalize the roster for the April 22 Inside California Politics debate. The poll, conducted by Emerson College Polling, is in the field this week. Its results will determine which candidates meet the 5 percent support threshold required for participation, a national standard Nexstar executives say they will maintain to ensure the debate reflects the current state of the race.
This dramatic reshaping of the open gubernatorial contest comes as Swalwell faces multiple investigations. Candidates must also satisfy baseline eligibility requirements, including being legally qualified for the ballot or as a write-in candidate, and having publicly announced their candidacy.
Qualified Candidates and Hopefuls
Four contenders have already qualified and accepted invitations based on a March survey: Democrats Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. They are set to participate in what is billed as the first major primary debate of the cycle.
"The upcoming poll offers a critical opportunity for several high-profile candidates who fell short of the 5 percent mark in March to qualify for the debate," said Matthew Rosenfeld, Nexstar Senior Vice President and regional manager. Among those hoping the new survey will boost them onto the stage are former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former State Controller Betty Yee, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
The final list of invited candidates will be released by the end of the week. The debate's structure underscores the fluid dynamics of a race now missing its former frontrunner, whose departure was swiftly followed by his resignation from the House of Representatives, preempting a potential expulsion vote.
Broadcast and Political Fallout
The April 22 forum will air live at 7 p.m. PDT on Nexstar stations across California: KTLA in Los Angeles, KRON4 in San Francisco, KSWB in San Diego, KTXL in Sacramento, KGET in Bakersfield, and KSEE in Fresno. It will also stream live on each station's apps for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs.
Swalwell's exit continues to send shockwaves through California and national politics. His accusers have claimed vindication following his congressional resignation, while House Democratic leadership, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has denied prior knowledge of the misconduct allegations as the fallout widens. The political vacuum left by his departure will test the strength of remaining candidates and could redefine early primary dynamics in the nation's most populous state.
