Even After Shivving Swalwell, Democrats Aren’t Home Free In California Governor’s Race

Fresh polling shows two Republican candidates leading the race to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom, days after Democrats pushed former congressman Eric Swalwell to drop out.

Among 1,000 likely California primary voters, Republican Steve Hilton leads with 17%, with Republican Chad Bianco and Democrat Tom Steyer closely behind, 14.4% and 14.1%, respectively, according to a new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey. Democrat Xavier Becerra follows at 10.4%, Democrat Katie Porter at 10.3%, and Democrat Matt Mahan at 5.4%.

Former State Controller Betty Yee, State Schools Supt. Tony Thurmond, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa each registered 3% support or less. Almost one in four voters remains undecided.

In other words, it’s a wide-open race.

“In the first Emerson poll since Eric Swalwell’s departure from the race for Governor, Democrats now split their vote between Tom Steyer (20%), Xavier Becerra (19%), and Katie Porter (15%), with Becerra gaining 15 points among Democrats without Swalwell on the ballot,” Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said.

Despite President Trump’s endorsement, California Republicans remain split, with 48% supporting Hilton and 40% Bianco. More than 40% ranked the economy as the most important issue facing California.

The economic anxiety comes as residents of Los Angeles County — the most populous county in the United States — report a record low quality of life, according to an annual UCLA survey published Wednesday.

Frustration with rising prices has left independents up for grabs: 16% support Steyer, 15% support Hilton, 14% back Bianco, and 10% favor Porter, according to the survey.

It’s the first high-quality poll of the crowded field since Swalwell suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress following a wave of sexual assault allegations.

A 5th woman on Tuesday accused Swalwell of sexual assault, alleging the disgraced lawmaker drugged her drink and raped her in Southern California.

“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” model Lonna Drewes said at a Beverly Hills press conference. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”

Both the Manhattan and Los Angeles district attorneys’ offices have launched investigations into Swalwell. 

Swalwell’s attorney, Sara Azari, said the former congressman “categorically and unequivocally denies” all allegations of sexual misconduct.

“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service,” Azaria said in a statement.

Swalwell’s name will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot. Under California’s “jungle primary” system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election in November regardless of party.