Trending Now - Betty Yee Withdraws From California Governor Race

WHO:

CNN - Betty Yee, a former state controller and Democrat.

CNN - Eric Swalwell, a fellow Democrat and former U.S. Representative.

CNN - Gavin Newsom, the outgoing Democratic Governor of California.

CNN - Tom Steyer, a Democrat candidate.

CNN - Katie Porter, a former U.S. Representative and Democrat candidate.

CNN - Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate.

CNN - Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate.

WHAT:

Los Angeles Times - Betty Yee stated, “I certainly could not have imagined the twists and the disturbing turns that this race has taken,” as she announced her withdrawal from the race.

Los Angeles Times - A poll released on April 20th, 2026, by the state Democratic Party showed Xavier Becerra's support jumped nine points to 13%, placing him in a tie with Tom Steyer.

Los Angeles Times - Former Rep. Katie Porter saw a slight bump in support to 10% from 7% following Swalwell's exit.

Los Angeles Times - Tom Steyer's total investment in his campaign reached $133 million, according to the California secretary of state’s office.

Los Angeles Times - An independent effort supporting San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has raised roughly $11 million since Eric Swalwell left the race.

CNN - Betty Yee was vying to be the first woman to hold California's highest office.

CNN - Yee's campaign was suspended just over a week after Eric Swalwell exited the race.

CNN - At this stage of the campaign, Yee's name cannot be removed from the ballot.

CNN - Betty Yee announced on Monday, April 20th, 2026, that she was suspending her campaign for California governor.

CNN - Yee's withdrawal leaves six established Democrats and two leading Republicans in the race, totaling more than 50 candidates on the ballot.

CNN - Mail ballots are scheduled to go to voters in early May 2026, ahead of the primary election on June 2nd, 2026.

ABC News - Polling conducted in late March and early April 2026 showed a cluster of candidates in close competition.

WHERE:

CNN - California, specifically in the context of the governor's race.

WHEN:

CNN - Betty Yee announced her campaign suspension on Monday, April 20th, 2026.

CNN - The primary election is scheduled for June 2nd, 2026.

CNN - Mail ballots are set to be sent to voters in early May 2026.

WHY:

Los Angeles Times - California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks expressed concern that “there are too many Democrats in the field,” urging candidates to assess their viability if they are stalled in the single digits.

NY Post - Yee cited "shame polls" conducted by party bosses as a reason for her withdrawal, indicating that "experience and competence was not polling high."

CNN - Yee cited low fundraising and polling as reasons for her withdrawal from the race.

NY Post - Yee referred to "shame polls" conducted by party bosses that indicated "experience and competence was not polling high."

HOW:

CNN - Yee attempted to position herself as a candidate focused on solutions rather than soundbites, branding herself as "boring Betty."

(UPDATED April 21, 2026 05:41 UTC)

Betty Yee announced her withdrawal from the race, expressing surprise at the twists and disturbing turns it has taken. A recent poll from the state Democratic Party shows Xavier Becerra's support has jumped nine points to 13%, putting him in a tie with Tom Steyer, while Katie Porter has also seen a slight increase to 10% following Eric Swalwell's exit. California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks has raised concerns about the crowded field, urging candidates to evaluate their viability if they remain stalled in the single digits.

(UPDATED April 21, 2026 04:03 UTC)

Betty Yee has suspended her campaign to become the first woman to hold California's highest office, just over a week after Eric Swalwell exited the race. She cited "shame polls" conducted by party bosses as a reason for her withdrawal, noting that her experience and competence were not resonating with voters. Although her campaign has ended, Yee's name will remain on the ballot at this stage of the election.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 23:18 UTC)

Betty Yee announced on Monday that she is suspending her campaign for California governor, citing low fundraising and polling as key reasons for her decision. Her withdrawal now leaves six established Democrats and two leading Republicans in the race, contributing to a total of more than 50 candidates on the ballot as mail ballots are set to go out to voters in early May ahead of the primary election June 2nd. Yee, who branded herself as "boring Betty" in an effort to focus on solutions rather than soundbites, expressed concerns about "shame polls" conducted by party bosses that suggested experience and competence were not resonating with voters.