Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit on Friday after sexual‑assault allegations has turned California’s traditionally quiet governor’s race into a scramble for donors and voters. Within hours, Democratic hopefuls flooded phones and social feeds, trying to capture the support base Swalwell abandoned. The nonpartisan primary on June 2 now pits seven high‑profile Democrats against two Republicans, with only two spots in the November runoff.

Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer, the two Democrats who trailed Swalwell most closely, stand to gain the most. Porter leverages her Capitol Hill grilling reputation, while Steyer has poured $120 million of personal wealth into TV spots. Meanwhile, tech‑backed mayor Matt Mahan sees a surge in funding, with his supporters pledging $12 million and planning a $14 million ad buy to capitalize on the vacuum.

The scramble has also revived long‑shot campaigns. Xavier Becerra’s Instagram views jumped from 90,000 to over 1.5 million in days, prompting unions that backed Swalwell to reconsider endorsements. Antonio Villaraigosa is sharpening attacks on Becerra’s Biden‑era record, hoping to seize the moment. With mail‑ballots headed out in early May, the primary has already become the costliest gubernatorial contest on record, topping $156 million in ad spend.