Betty Yee Drops Out of California Governor Race Amid Polling and Fundraising Struggles
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Apr 20
Betty Yee Drops Out of California Governor Race Amid Polling and Fundraising Struggles
23 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Apr 20
Former California State Controller Betty Yee has suspended her campaign for governor, citing poor polling and fundraising challenges.
Yee, a progressive Democrat, said internal polls showed voters prioritizing personality over experience, and donors were not backing her candidacy.
Her exit follows Eric Swalwell’s withdrawal amid scandal, intensifying concerns among Democrats about splitting votes and the risk of a Republican-only runoff.
Is California's governor's race a contest of wealth and personality over political experience?
Which candidate's message on the economy and housing will finally resonate with California voters?
What does Betty Yee's exit reveal about the challenges facing female candidates in 2026?
How does the top-two primary system complicate election outcomes in such a crowded field?
Why has $115 million in ad spending failed to give Tom Steyer a commanding lead?
What will it take for one candidate to break away from the pack and win undecided voters?