California Democrats ended their 2026 state endorsing convention in San Francisco without making an official endorsement in the crowded gubernatorial race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Delegates voted over the weekend but no candidate reached the 60% threshold required for the party’s formal backing ahead of the state’s June primary.
Rep. Eric Swalwell led the race receiving 24% of delegates’ votes.
In a statement Sunday, Rep. Swalwell said, “I want to thank the California Democratic Party delegates for backing me to be California’s fighter and protector of working families. Together, we’ll defend all Californians against Donald Trump and lower every family’s costs. I look forward to uniting our party and leading us to victories across the state in November.”
Former state controller Betty Yee followed Swalwell, receiving 17% of the votes.
In a statement Sunday, Betty Yee’s campaign said, “This historic vote signals a major shake-up in the race governor as voters begin to assess this crowded Democratic field of candidates. Our campaign represents voters who’re tired of the billionaire boys club, who’re tired of political drama and who’re exhausted by the daily struggle of living in Donald Trump’s battered economy. They want a no-nonsense, no drama leader they can trust to lead California and deliver real change for families in every corner of the state. They know I am that leader and that together we will win the California governor’s race.”
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra captured 14% of the vote, and billionaire Tom Steyer trailed closely with 13%.
California state democratic party delegates described the upcoming primary as “diluted,” with several top contenders potentially splitting the vote. “What’s going to be important is seeing where the candidates stand as far as how many votes they do get,” said Alfred Twu, an East Bay delegate supporting Yee.
Former Rep. Katie Porter, once considered a leading name in the race, received 9% of delegate support.
Other candidates, including Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Assemblymember Ian Calderon, also finished in the single digits. About 9% of delegates abstained from voting or did not state a preference.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan was not considered for endorsement because he entered the race after the convention schedule was set.
Following the vote, some delegates called for lower-polling candidates to step aside to help consolidate support before the June primary. “All our resources go behind one candidate,” said Cedric White, a delegate from Lancaster, California.
State Sen. John Laird, a democrat from Santa Cruz, said Democrats risk splitting the vote and allowing two Republicans to advance under California’s top-two primary system. “We can’t have the top two Republicans sneak in by accident,” he said.
Despite the lack of a formal endorsement, delegates left optimistic that the party will unite behind a strong nominee. “I will be supporting whoever it is that the party moves forward,” said Tomas Vera, a delegate from Placer County.
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC10 for updates.