California Democrats needs someone to finish in the top 2 in the Jungle Primary. It is as simple as that.

IMO, Swalwell just gave Steyer the top spot.

Porter isn’t doing herself any favors, so who can take the 2nd spot?

but with what is happening now there is likely to be a Republican.

I will take any democrat running over any republican

Ethical representation for the people of California.

And, as a tertiary point, an increased chance of a Democratic victory in the election.

get involved with his choice of who the next Governor should be?

we seem to lose politically against the GOP over and over. When one of our own is accused of wrongdoing instead of rallying to defend them based on "your innocent until proven guilty" as the GOP does, we quickly use the accusations as a reason to take the moral high ground and move on.
I think it is because the "circle the wagons" (narrow the circle) to defend your party is in line with the kind of narcistic reality of conservatism - where the individual is all that matters. In the case of most Dems (expand the circle) to unite collectively, regardless of personal interests in favor of a effort to improve society for all.

Our worldview is just different and we cannot be someone that we aren't regardless of the cost.

Which is better? I think the Dems are better overall but not sure politically if it is a net positive?

And we don't have any time left
We are on the verge of losing California

It would show commitment to party over any possible brickbats thrown their way.

Perhaps a Stephen Colbert or Pope Leo. This is not so far-fetched. These two are the only public figures in a recent poll who are above water in favorable/unfavorable.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/13244500