California Democrats Are Rallying Behind ‘The Whiteboard Warrior’ For Governor

Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter are leading among their party for the state’s 2026 governor’s race, according to a new poll.

Emerson College Polling and Inside California 🏛️Politicsreleased a survey Thursday showing Swalwell and Porter as the top two Democratic contenders among eight potential competitors for the upcoming governor’s race. However, according to the data, Democrats are trailing two Republican candidates.

Among the seven listed candidates, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco leads the field with 13% support. Swalwell is second at 12%, former Fox News host Steve Hilton ties him at 12% and Porter follows at 11%, with the remaining support going to other Democratic candidates. Thirty-one percent notably remain undecided.

While Porter sits behind Swalwell in the overall race, the former representative holds 30% favorability, with 37% unsure or having never heard of her and 34% viewing her unfavorably. By comparison, Swalwell holds 24% favorability, with 53% unsure or having never heard of him and 23% viewing him unfavorably.

“As California turns to its next major statewide election after the passing of Proposition 50, no clear leader for the 2026 gubernatorial primary has yet emerged,” Emerson College Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball said. “Upon entering the race, Swalwell splits the Democratic vote with Porter, 20% supporting Swalwell and 17% Porter. Republican voters are split between Bianco and Hilton, at 33% and 30%, while a plurality of independents, 45%, are undecided.”