- A free-for-all primary has put Democrats at risk of being shut out of the race for governor in an otherwise safe state: California.
- No fewer than 24 Democrats will appear on the primary ballot to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, and the field lacks a standout.
- Voter surveys have consistently shown two Republicans, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, at the top of the field, with Hilton at 17 percent support and Bianco at 16 percent, the highest rates of any candidate.
- California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks lamented that the jungle primary could mean that "half of the registered voters in the state don't end up with a candidate of their choosing in the general election."
- More recently, in April, US Representative Eric Swalwell abandoned his campaign amid allegations of sexual misconduct. His name, however, will still appear on the ballot.
The California gubernatorial race is embroiled in a unique predicament as the upcoming primary boasts a staggering 24 candidates, creating chaos for Democratic representation. With Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco leading the pack, both Republicans show troubling strength in voter surveys, raising alarms among party officials.34
One March poll revealed Hilton at 17 percent support and Bianco closely trailing at 16 percent. More concerning, a more recent Emerson College survey placed Hilton in first with 19 percent, and Bianco joined him in a tie for second at 17 percent. The escalating tension within the party stems from California’s jungle primary system initiated in 2010, designed to create more inclusive elections but currently threatening to marginalize the majority of Democratic voters who may not see their preferences represented come the general election.
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks articulated this worry, stating that the current dynamics could potentially leave half of registered voters without a candidate they endorse. As the Democrats grapple with this situation, the recent withdrawal of US Representative Eric Swalwell from the race amid controversy adds to the turmoil. Amidst these challenges, Hicks underscores the longstanding leadership of Democrats in the state, stating, “It's been Democrats that have led the state over the last 10-plus years — that have addressed issues like affordability and healthcare and public safety and education.”56
“The impending primary in California features 24 Democrats, indicating a divided field and potential risks for party representation. Concerns have been raised by Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks regarding voter choices in the upcoming election.”
