Gavin Newsom faces growing pressure to intervene in a scrambled California governor’s race

Key Points:

• California Governor Gavin Newsom is closely monitoring the governor's race following sexual misconduct allegations against candidate Eric Swalwell, with concerns that Democrats could be locked out if two Republicans advance in the June 2 primary.
• Newsom has engaged in numerous calls and meetings with key Democrats, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, as he tries to assess the impact of Swalwell's collapse on the fractured Democratic field and potential vote shifts.
• Despite pressure to show leadership and possibly endorse a candidate, Newsom has so far refrained from picking winners, reflecting his reluctance to intervene decisively in the party's internal contest.
• Newsom had previously supported Senator Alex Padilla as his preferred successor, but Padilla ultimately decided not to run, leading Newsom to allow the race to unfold without his direct involvement.
• The race features no standout Democratic frontrunner, with Newsom expressing reservations about several candidates, while party leaders remain concerned about the risk of Republicans securing both runoff spots and denying Democrats the governorship.