California Democrats aim to steal a march on rivals with first debate since Swalwell shocker

California’s gubernatorial hopefuls will square off Tuesday for the first time since former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit following bombshell sexual assault allegations that upended the crowded primary race and injected fresh uncertainty into it.

The debate marks a critical test for the top six remaining candidates as they jockey for position in a wide-open field, […]