Calif. Democrats chase a party endorsement amid a crowded gubernatorial field

At the California Democratic Party endorsement convention, nine Democrats vying to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom entered a marathon process with little expectation of earning the party’s endorsement, which requires 60% of about 3,500 delegates. Early results put Rep. Eric Swalwell in the lead around 24%, with Betty Yee and Xavier Becerra trailing, but no candidate near the threshold. The sprawling field and fundraising dynamics raise questions about narrowing the field ahead of the June primary and the risk of a GOP lockout in November.