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

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One other Democrat has dropped out of California ’s crowded gubernatorial race as the first election approaches in roughly six weeks.

Former state Controller Betty Yee, of San Francisco, introduced her withdrawal Monday after polling confirmed she had failed to interrupt into the highest tier of candidates, based on The Related Press (AP).

Her exit comes only a week after embattled former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell additionally withdrew from the race amid a number of critical sexual misconduct allegations.

"At this time I'm saying that my marketing campaign for governor shall be suspended," Yee mentioned in a video announcement, Fox 11 Los Angeles reported. "This marketing campaign has at all times been about one thing a lot larger than anyone candidate. It’s about constructing a California the place alternative is actual and owned, the place authorities regains belief by being accountable and accountable, and the place nobody is left behind."

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FILE - California Controller Betty Yee listens throughout a gathering on June 28, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. Former Controller Yee introduced, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, that she'd be operating for governor in 2026 to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. (AP Picture/Wealthy Pedroncelli, File) (Wealthy Pedroncelli/AP)

Yee, who had been vying to change into California’s first feminine governor as Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to go away workplace, persistently lagged within the polls, by no means rising above roughly 3% help amongst doubtless voters, according to native nonprofit outlet Cal Issues.

She attributed her lack of ability to realize traction partially to fundraising challenges in a race recognized for its steep prices and heavy promoting calls for.

"It was turning into clear that the donors weren't going to be there. Even a few of my former supporters simply felt like they wanted to maneuver on," Yee mentioned, based on The AP.

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Discuss radio host Tavis Smiley, left, moderates the California Governor Candidate Discussion board in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Occasions by way of Getty Photos)

Throughout an emotional announcement, Yee thanked her supporters who stood by her all through her two-year marketing campaign, which emphasised her expertise managing the state price range and highlighted her household’s middle-class immigrant background.

Earlier than serving as state controller, the place she audited authorities businesses and oversaw the allocation of state funds, Yee beforehand labored as a price range director beneath former Gov. Grey Davis earlier than being elected to the State Board of Equalization.

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Rep. Eric Swalwell spoke throughout a press convention on committee assignments for the 118th Congress on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Photos)

Yee’s exit leaves former Rep. Katie Porter as the first lady within the race.

Because the June 2 main election approaches in what is anticipated to be one of many nation’s most carefully watched state contests, different remaining key candidates embrace Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, together with Republican frontrunners Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.