California Governor Candidates Face First Major Debate After Eric Swalwell Exit

Six candidates for California governor will face off Wednesday night in San Francisco for their first televised debate since the race was shaken up by Eric Swalwell's sudden exit.

Swalwell, a former Democratic congressman, dropped out this month after sexual assault allegations surfaced. His departure has left the governor's race without a clear front-runner as the California primary election approaches in just weeks.

Political experts say Swalwell's exit has finally gotten voters to pay attention to the contest for the state's highest office. The race had been considered volatile even before his departure.

The debate comes at a critical time as candidates try to gain momentum in what remains a tight contest. California's primary uses a top-two system, where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party.