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California Democrats are warning their own candidates that a crowded gubernatorial primary could create an unexpected risk in the state\u2019s top-two election system.<\/p>\n
In a letter<\/a> to the wide pool of Democrats seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks, a former union boss, urged candidates to assess whether they have a shot at advancing to the general election.<\/p>\n Under California\u2019s \u201cjungle primary\u201d system in June, all candidates appear on the same ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election in November regardless of party. Some Democrats fear vote-splitting among their candidates could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election. There are more than a dozen Democrats in the race, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer. Newsom has not publicly endorsed anyone.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton are considered the leading Republicans in the race. Some polls have shown Bianco and Hilton within striking distance of the top two, while others suggest both could advance if Democratic support fragments.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite the ongoing chatter, the likelihood of two Republicans effectively \u2018locking out\u2019 California Democrats from the contest for Governor in the General Election is relatively low,\u201d Hicks wrote. \u201cHowever, while it is implausible, it is not impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n Hicks called on the Democratic candidates to \u201chonestly assess the viability of their candidacy,\u201d suggesting those without a viable path of finishing in the top two consider dropping out \u201con or before April 15th.\u201d<\/p>\n Hicks further added that if Republicans successfully lock out the Democrats, it could lead to \u201cdepressed Democratic turnout\u201d and damage the party\u2019s chances in other critical down-ballot races.<\/p>\n \u201cThe result would present a real risk to winning the congressional seats required and imperil Democrats\u2019 chances to retake the House, cut Donald Trump\u2019s term in half, and spare our Nation from the pain many have endured since January 2025. We simply can\u2019t let that happen,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n The primary is scheduled for June 2.<\/p>\n