California Gubernatorial Race Sees Another Withdrawal
As the primary election looms just about six weeks away, another candidate has exited California’s competitive gubernatorial contest. Former San Francisco City Commissioner Betty Yee announced her decision to withdraw on Monday, following polling that indicated she wasn’t able to reach the upper tier of candidates.
This announcement comes only a week after former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell also stepped back from the race amid multiple allegations of serious sexual misconduct.
In a video statement reported by FOX 11 Los Angeles, Yee expressed, “Today, I am announcing that I am canceling my campaign for governor. This campaign has always been about something much bigger than any candidate: building a California where opportunity is real, government is held accountable, trust is restored, and no one is left behind.”
Yee had aspired to be California’s first female governor but struggled significantly in the polls, never really exceeding 3% support among likely voters, as noted by local outlet Cal Matters. She attributes her challenges in gaining traction to the difficulties of fundraising in a race notoriously known for its high costs and aggressive advertising needs.
“It became clear that the donors weren’t coming, and some of my former supporters felt they needed to move on,” Yee stated.
In her emotional farewell, she thanked her supporters who stood by her during her two-year campaign, adding why her background as a middle-class immigrant was important. Before her role as state secretary, where she audited government agencies and managed state funds, Yee had served as budget director under former Governor Gray Davis and had been elected to the state Board of Equalization.
With Yee’s exit, former Congresswoman Katie Porter emerges as the leading female candidate in the race. As the June 2 primary approaches—predicted to be one of the most scrutinized state elections—other notable candidates still in the running include Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, along with Republican contenders Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
