Overview
- Cloobeck announced on CNN that he was leaving the race and endorsing Eric Swalwell, calling the congressman the right person for the job.
- He said he would fold his operation into Swalwell’s effort by transferring staff and campaign work.
- The 2026 field remains wide, with Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Antonio Villaraigosa joined by Republicans Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
- Swalwell launched his campaign last week and is centering his bid on lowering costs and expanding housing affordability.
- He reaffirmed a vote-by-phone plan that drew criticism from the White House and GOP rivals Hilton and Bianco.