California Democrats shrug at their choices in packed race to replace Newsom
With about 60 candidates on the ballot, Democrats are split between familiar names and long-shot options as ballot returns lag, analysts said.
- With roughly 60 candidates vying to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, California voters are returning ballots slowly, with only about 10% of the state's roughly 23 million registered voters having cast ballots as of Wednesday.
- Democratic strategist Paul Mitchell attributes the lag to voter indecision, quipping, "Call your Democratic parents and tell them to turn in their ballot," as voters wait for a frontrunner in this "topsy-turvy" contest.
- A mid-May Public Policy Institute poll shows Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton each polling at about 20%, while Tom Steyer, Bianco, and Congresswoman Katie Porter trail between 10% and 15% support.
- President Donald Trump's April endorsement of Hilton may have consolidated GOP support, though the withdrawal of Rep. Eric Swalwell following sexual assault allegations unsettled Democrats and anxiety persists regarding the top-two primary system.
- Turnout data reveals an unusual breakdown, with 15% of Republicans having voted compared to 10% of Democrats, a reversal of historical trends where Democrats typically vote early as the June 2 primary approaches.
38 Articles
38 Articles
In California's packed race to replace Newsom, Democrats are shrugging at their choices
Though voting began in early May ahead of the June 2 primary, Democrats have been returning their ballots at a slower pace than normal after a chaotic campaign full of surprises. Unlike recent races for governor, there's been no clear front-runner or political superstar.
California Democrats Show Signs Of Apathy Ahead Of Crowded Primary
Days before California's primary election, polling and ballot data point to a sharp drop in Democratic voter engagement. Left-leaning voters appear unenthusiastic about a field of roughly 60 candidates running to succeed termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom. According to a CNN network analysis, mail-in ballot returns are running behind historical norms. Democratic data trackers report that only 10 percent of the state's 23 million registered voters …
Associated Press News
California Democrats shrug at their choices in packed race to replace Newsom
The crowded race for California governor still has no clear front-runner with only days left for voters to decide which two candidates to advance to the general election in November.
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