All articles tagged with #gubernatorial race
Tom Steyer, a frontrunner in California's governor's race, says he will not run for president again, focusing on governing California. His stance follows Eric Swalwell's exit from the presidential contest and comes amid warnings from Democrats like Antonio Villaraigosa that the governor's office should not be treated as a stepping stone to higher office, with Newsom potentially pursuing national office in 2028.
Two women who accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct tell CBS News they feel vindicated as Swalwell ends his California gubernatorial bid and resigns from Congress, while a Manhattan DA investigation continues. Ally Sammarco and Annika Albrecht describe explicit messages and Snapchat exchanges that they say reflected a pattern of impunity; Swalwell denies the allegations and says they are politically motivated. The women say the fight for accountability isn’t over and note that dozens of others have reached out with similar concerns. The CBS interview airs on CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News.
Sexual misconduct allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell have upended California’s crowded governor’s race, with endorsements pulled and prominent Democrats urging Swalwell to withdraw. The field remains wide open heading into the June jungle primary, as candidates like Katie Porter, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco vie for support. The Democratic National Committee’s California delegation quickly issued a statement urging accountability and Swalwell’s withdrawal, while debates on April 22 and May 5 loom large as campaigns seek to capture Swalwell’s base. Analysts warn no candidate has a clear lane yet, making the contest highly fluid and potentially letting Republicans into the top-two spot.
California’s Democratic Party chair urged underperforming candidates to drop out to avoid a GOP victory, but eight of nine top contenders stayed in as the June primary nears. One candidate withdrew and endorsed Swalwell, while others—including candidates of color—criticized the pressure as the field remains crowded and the race appears tightly contested in polls. The split field could still yield two Republicans on the November ballot, risking California’s first GOP governor since 2006.
California's Democratic Party urged candidates without a viable path to the general election to suspend their campaigns, but nine Democrats remain in a crowded gubernatorial field, fueling fears that two Republicans could reach November. Party chair Rusty Hicks warned of a possible GOP surge and urged strategic withdrawals, a stance criticized by candidates. Polls divide the race into a competitive core and trailing candidates, the party did not endorse anyone at its convention, and Newsom acknowledged concerns.
Democrat Cinde Warmington launched a repeat bid for New Hampshire governor, delivering the first major challenge to GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte in a purple, battleground state. Warmington, a former state executive councilor who previously sought the nomination in 2024, is entering an open Democratic field as Democrats hope to block Ayotte’s reelection; Ayotte has clashed with Trump on immigration policy and redistricting, and polls show a competitive but still Republican-leaning race in a state that often swings between parties.
Trump’s Truth Social post depicting Barack Obama as an ape drew swift backlash and became a flashpoint in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, with Byron Donalds’ campaign blaming a staffer for the post, rival James Fishback defending the clip and courting racially charged rhetoric, and Democrat David Jolly condemning it as vile; other candidates offered little comment, highlighting ongoing race-related tensions shaping the contest.
Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by President Trump, leads Florida’s GOP gubernatorial primary with seven months to go, turning the contest into a race for second as DeSantis’ endorsement remains uncertain. High-profile rivals like Jay Collins and Paul Renner have entered the field but polls still show them in single digits, while hypothetical matchups with Florida’s first lady suggest Donalds would win decisively. Donalds’ fundraising (~$45 million), name ID, and a strong campaign team bolster his front-runner position, though opponents argue the race could tighten and scrutinize Donalds’ finances, his wife’s charter-school business, and past associations. DeSantis allies are divided on endorsements, with some suggesting Renner as a credible alternative; the dynamic remains fluid as campaigns eye late developments and potential new entrants into the race.
Top Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel withdrew from the race, denouncing the Trump-era ICE crackdown Operation Metro Surge as unconstitutional and harmful to U.S. citizens, saying it has fueled fear and disrupted local policing after the killings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis; his exit comes as some Republicans distance themselves from immigration enforcement.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has dropped out of the re-election race due to a scandal involving widespread fraud in social services programs, leading to speculation that Senator Amy Klobuchar may run instead, amidst a competitive and contentious political landscape.
In the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race, candidate Jack Ciattarelli was negatively affected by President Donald Trump's influence, impacting the election outcome.
The New Jersey governor's race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is highly competitive, with both candidates focusing on affordability issues; results are expected to be close, and voter turnout will be crucial.
Virginia's upcoming elections have become a comprehensive referendum on various issues including federal workforce challenges, political violence, redistricting, and transgender rights, with candidates focusing on these topics amid a competitive race influenced by national political dynamics.
The Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey indicates Democrat Abigail Spanberger leading the Virginia governor's race with an 11-point advantage over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, and a close contest for Attorney General between Democrat Jay Jones and incumbent Republican Jason Miyares. Voter preferences are influenced by issues like the economy and party approval ratings, with Spanberger solidifying her lead as Election Day approaches.
Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Newark for Democrat Mikie Sherrill, criticizing her Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli for being too aligned with Trump, amid a closely contested New Jersey governor race that is seen as a national political indicator.