California Democrats Encourage Low-Support Governor Candidates to Withdraw for a Stronger Democratic Race
Democratic Candidates Face Pressure in Gubernatorial Primary Race
As the California Democratic Party navigates a crowded primary field ahead of the gubernatorial election, party leaders are expressing concern over the viability of several candidates. With polls indicating stronger support for Republican contenders, the party is urging candidates lacking a realistic path to victory to reconsider their campaigns.
Recent polling has revealed a growing advantage for Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco among likely voters, raising alarms within the party. Facing this potential threat, the California Democratic Party has taken the unusual step of encouraging candidates without “viability” to withdraw from the race.
Most candidates, with the exceptions of Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and possibly Tom Steyer, have yet to demonstrate a clear path to a successful campaign. Polls show that these long-serving public officials, including former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, are trailing behind their Republican counterparts.
Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, addressed these concerns in an open letter, urging candidates to evaluate their chances seriously. “While the likelihood of two Republicans effectively ‘locking out’ California Democrats from the contest for Governor in the General Election is relatively low, it is not impossible,” Hicks stated. He emphasized the urgency for candidates to assess their viability ahead of the approaching filing deadline.
In a bid to consolidate support, the party suggested that candidates who choose to remain in the race should be ready to endorse one another by April 15 if they do not see a viable path forward.
The response from candidates, however, remains uncertain. During a recent LGBTQ+ gubernatorial forum, hosted by NBC Los Angeles and the LGBT Center, candidates were asked whom they might endorse. Most declined to name a preferred choice. Villaraigosa mentioned his support for former California State Controller Betty Yee and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, both of whom have struggled to gain traction.
Yee indicated she would back Villaraigosa and Steyer, who currently enjoys higher polling figures. Steyer, in turn, expressed admiration for Yee, highlighting their rare moments of disagreement.
With mounting pressure from the party, key candidates—including Becerra, Villaraigosa, Thurmond, and Yee—now face critical decisions regarding their campaigns.
Recent polling from the Public Policy Institute of California reveals that Hilton is leading the field with 14% support among likely voters, followed closely by Porter at 13% and Bianco at 12%. Swalwell and Steyer trail with 11% and 10%, respectively. Other candidates, such as Becerra and Villaraigosa, are grouped under “other candidates,” collectively drawing 30% of voter support.
In his letter, Hicks concluded, “(We) all have a duty to act in a responsible manner with the opportunities and support we have earned. I believe it starts with a candid assessment of the political landscape around you, an honest reflection on your viability to win the race, and the courage to make a tough choice.”
