Former California controller Betty Yee drops out of governor’s race

Another Democrat has withdrawn from the race for California governor, with the primary election looming in about six weeks.

Former State Comptroller Betty Yee of San Francisco announced her withdrawal Monday after polls showed she failed to place among the top candidates, according to the Associated Press (AP).

His exit comes just a week after former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell also withdrew from the race amid several serious allegations of sexual misconduct.

“Today, I am announcing that my campaign for governor will be suspended,” Yee said in a video announcement, Fox 11 Los Angeles reported. “This campaign has always been about something much bigger than any one candidate. It’s about building a California where opportunity is real and owned, where government earns back trust by being responsible and accountable, and where no one is left behind.”

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FILE – California Comptroller Betty Yee listens during a meeting June 28, 2016, in Sacramento, California. Former Comptroller Yee announced on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, that she would run for governor in 2026 to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, file) (Rich Pedroncelli/AP)

Yee, who was vying to become California’s first female governor as Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to leave office, consistently trails in the polls, never above about 3% support among likely voters, according to the local nonprofit Cal Matters.

She attributed her failure to gain traction in part to fundraising difficulties in a race known for its high costs and heavy advertising demands.

“It was becoming clear that the donors weren’t going to be there. Even some of my former supporters just felt like they needed to move on,” Yee said, according to The AP.

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Radio host Tavis Smiley, left, moderates the California Governor Candidates Forum in Los Angeles, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

In an emotional announcement, Yee thanked supporters who supported her throughout her two-year campaign, highlighting her experience managing the state budget and her family’s immigrant background.

Before becoming state comptroller, where she audited government agencies and oversaw the allocation of state funds, Yee worked as budget director under former Gov. Gray Davis before being elected to the State Board of Equalization.

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Representative Eric Swalwell speaks during a press conference on committee assignments for the 118th Congress at the United States Capitol on January 25, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Yee’s exit leaves former Rep. Katie Porter as the leading woman in the race.

Heading into the June 2 primary election, which is expected to be one of the most closely watched state elections in the country, other key remaining candidates include Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, as well as Republican front-runners Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.