California Democrats Face Unclear Choices in Crowded Gubernatorial Primary
2 verified7 unconfirmed
California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom has left many Democratic voters uncertain as they return their ballots at a slower pace than usual. The top-two primary system places all candidates on a single ballot, and with roughly 60 candidates including six major Democrats and two prominent Republicans, no clear front-runner has emerged. Recent polling shows former state attorney general Xavier Becerra and conservative commentator Steve Hilton each drawing about 2 in 10 likely voters, while billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and former congresswoman Katie Porter each poll between 10% and 15%. A scandal involving former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who dropped out after a sexual assault accusation, further rattled Democrats, though fears that Republicans could lock out Democrats have eased. Voter turnout as of late May stood at about 10%, with Republicans turning out at a higher rate than Democrats so far.
What’s verified
The California gubernatorial primary is set for June 2, 2026, to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Multiple sources describe the race as challenging for Democrats, with no dominant candidate.
Not yet confirmed
According to a single report, there are roughly 60 candidates, including six major Democrats and two prominent Republicans (Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton). President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton.
The same report states that former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out after a sexual assault accusation.
A mid-May poll by the Public Policy Institute of California found that Becerra and Hilton each have about 2 in 10 support, while Steyer, Bianco, and Porter each have 10% to 15%.
About 10% of California’s 23 million voters had cast ballots as of late May, with 15% of Republicans, 10% of Democrats, and 7% of nonpartisan voters participating.
Democratic strategist Paul Mitchell noted that older, white Democratic voters have been slow to return ballots.
Voter quotes from California residents expressing reluctance or lack of enthusiasm for the field are from a single report.
It is unclear whether any candidate will break away in the final days before the primary.
Key figures
Gavin Newsom: incumbent Democratic governor, term-limited
Chad Bianco: Riverside County sheriff and Republican candidate
Steve Hilton: conservative commentator and Republican candidate
Eric Swalwell: former Democratic congressman who dropped out
Xavier Becerra: former state attorney general and federal Health secretary, Democratic candidate
Tom Steyer: billionaire hedge fund manager turned climate activist, Democratic candidate
Katie Porter: former congresswoman, Democratic candidate
Antonio Villaraigosa: former Los Angeles mayor, Democratic candidate
Ramsey Robinson: socialist candidate
Paul Mitchell: Democratic strategist tracking ballot returns
Sources: abcnews.com, realclearpolitics.com
