US EditionDemocrats’ fear rising that too many candidates in governor’s race could lead to a Republican victory
California Democrats fear multiple candidates will split votes, risking a GOP win; nine Democrats split 15.5% each, risking two Republicans advancing to November, party leaders warn.
- California's 2026 governor race uses a jungle primary where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, proceed to the November runoff, raising concerns that two Republicans could advance, sidelining Democrats.
- Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco currently lead the primary with 17% and 14% support, respectively, while eight Democrats have split their voters with no candidate gaining significant consolidation.
- Democratic consultant Paul Mitchell warns there is about a 12% chance both Republicans could make the runoff, which could cause a collapse in Democratic turnout affecting other races and ballot measures statewide.
- Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said he will not pressure candidates to drop out despite concerns, leading to some internal frustration among Democratic legislators.
12 Articles
12 Articles
CA Democrats Worry They Have Too Many Candidates in Gov Race
“Democrats’ fear rising that too many candidates in governor’s race could lead to a Republican victory,” the Los Angeles Times reports. “Leaders of the California Democratic Party, along with liberal activists and loyal power brokers, are openly expressing fear that their crowded field of candidates running for governor may splinter the vote and open the door to a surprise Republican victory in November.”
California Democrats panic as two Republicans lead governor polls in deep blue state
California Democrats panic as two Republicans lead governor polls in deep blue state | 21 Feb 2026 | California Democrats are reportedly panicking over the possibility that the state’s jungle primary system could send two Republicans to the November ballot, a scenario Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told Fox News Digital is the result of “decades of complete Democrat failure.” The New York Post reported that Democratic lawmakers are private…
Democrats’ fear rising that too many candidates in California governor’s race could lead to a Republican victory
SAN FRANCISCO — Leaders of the California Democratic Party, along with liberal activists and loyal power brokers, are openly expressing fear that their crowded field of candidates running for governor may splinter the vote and open the door to a…
Los Angeles Times
UpstractDemocrats' fear rising that too many candidates in governor's race could lead to a Republican victory
Leaders of the California Democratic Party, along with liberal activists and loyal power brokers, are openly expressing fear that their crowded field of candidates running for governor may splinter the vote and open the door to a surprise Republican victory in November.
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