Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s race in advance of June primary
Former state controller Betty Yee suspended her campaign for governor on Monday, citing a lack of resources needed to remain competitive.
“I certainly could not have imagined the twists and disturbing turns that this race has taken,” she told reporter in emotional remarks. “But through it all, my values and my vision for California has never wavered, and my campaign continued to stay grounded in the simple but pretty powerful principles that are needed at this time.”
The self-described “boring candidate” had polled at single digits in recent months and failed to break out of the crowded field of Democrats since launching her campaign in 2024. Two polls published Monday by Kreate and Gudelunas put her support at 2%, tied with State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
Yee previously served as state controller from 2015 to 2023 and before then was a member of the Board of Equalization.
“I think what has changed is the whole notion that voters are looking for experience and competence is not a top priority, and that’s been my wheelhouse,” she said. She also blamed the “chill of polling” on her lack of major donors.
During her two-year run for governor, Yee had cited her experience as California’s chief financial officer and lack of personal scandals as reasons for voters to elect her and reverse the state’s deficit, which could be as high as $18 billion, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
For months, California Democratic Party chair Rusty Hicks had tried to convince low-polling candidates to suspend their campaigns to prevent two Republicans from winning the June 2 jungle primary and advancing to the general election. Yee and others like Thurmond resisted such calls, saying the race was still undecided.
Despite her campaign suspension, Yee’s name will still appear on the June 2 primary ballot to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is termed out and cannot run again after this year. He has so far declined to endorse a successor. Yee also declined to endorse anyone, but said she was looking for a candidate who would “really be focused on governing California,” instead of garnering headlines.
“Temperament and demeanor matter as well,” she said. Yee previously criticized former Rep. Katie Porter, who is also running, after she walked out of an interview with a reporter and was filmed berating a staffer.
She claimed the highest number of delegate votes after Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, at the state Democratic Party convention in February, though the party declined to endorse a candidate after no candidate claimed the 60% threshold.
Swalwell, once considered a leading candidate, dropped out of the race earlier this month after five women accused him of sexual misconduct.
He also resigned from Congress, but has denied all accusations as “flat false” and vowed to “fight them.”
This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:14 AM.
