By Sam Barron | Monday, April 20, 2026
Former California State Controller Betty Yee announced on Monday she is withdrawing from the governor’s race.
The former state controller, who consistently polled in single digits and lagged in fundraising, dropped out more than a week after former Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, exited the contest amid allegations of sexual assault that led to his resignation from Congress.
While Swalwell’s departure created an opening for remaining Democrats, Yee’s campaign did not receive a boost.
“I have surmised, with all the information we have, that I am not going to have the resources available to be successful by the June primary,” Yee said.
Yee had extensive experience in state politics. Aside from two terms as controller, she served as Democratic Party vice chair, spent a decade on the Board of Equalization, and worked as chief deputy budget director for former Governor Gray Davis.
She calls herself “Boring Betty,” noting she is free of any political scandals.
“What we saw over time was that experience and competence wasn’t kind of the big issue for voters,” Yee said to reporters.
Yee has not indicated whether she will endorse a candidate.
“I will take this day to be with my team and family,” Yee told reporters. “It was difficult. This has been two years of my life, every day full throttle.”
In California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Many Democrats are concerned that too many candidates could fragment the field, potentially causing both Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco to finish as the top two. This would guarantee a Republican governor in California, a blue state, as Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot run for reelection.
California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.
