California GOP Divided Over Governor Candidate as Swalwell Campaign Collapses

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:34:00 +0200

At the California Republican Party’s spring convention in San Diego, delegates found themselves energized by the spectacular downfall of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell, who faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The controversy has triggered a major exodus of Swalwell’s supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff and several prominent labor unions, effectively collapsing his campaign. Despite the scandal’s boost to Republican morale, the party failed to unite behind one candidate for governor: Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco received 49% of delegate support, while former Fox News host Steve Hilton earned 44%, short of the 60% needed for an official endorsement. Bianco emphasized his law enforcement record and integrity, while Hilton leaned on his business and media background and touted former President Donald Trump’s endorsement as decisive. The event highlighted ongoing divisions within the GOP, as delegates debated ideological direction and campaign tacti