The race for California’s next governor is heating up, but not in the way Democrats had hoped. In a move that’s sparking fierce debate, the state’s Democratic Party has urged candidates without a clear path to victory to drop out—yet the crowded field remains stubbornly intact. With at least nine Democrats vying to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, there’s growing concern that this division could inadvertently pave the way for two Republicans to advance to the November election. But here’s where it gets controversial: candidates are pushing back, arguing that the decision should be left to voters, not party leaders.
Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, issued a blunt warning in an open letter earlier this week. He called the scenario of two Republicans advancing ‘unlikely but possible’ and urged candidates to ‘act responsibly’ by assessing their viability and making tough choices. ‘It’s about honesty with yourself and the voters,’ Hicks wrote, suggesting that candidates without a realistic shot at the general election should suspend their campaigns within the next month if they haven’t shown ‘meaningful progress.’
The Democratic field is packed with heavyweights, including former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, and former Congresswoman Katie Porter. Other contenders are San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. Meanwhile, the Republican side features Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, who are polling competitively alongside some Democratic frontrunners.
And this is the part most people miss: a recent poll by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California revealed a stark divide in the race. Hilton, Porter, Bianco, Swalwell, and Steyer are neck-and-neck, while the rest lag behind. Despite this, the Democratic Party declined to endorse a candidate at its recent convention, though Congressman Eric Swalwell secured support from 24% of delegates, followed by Betty Yee and Xavier Becerra.
Candidates have fired back at Hicks’s letter, accusing the party of overreach. Tony Thurmond, for instance, invoked Bernie Sanders’s critique of a ‘rigged’ political system, suggesting the party is sidelining candidates of color. Betty Yee told Politico that voters are fed up with ‘insider political theater,’ while Matt Mahan’s campaign bluntly stated, ‘Voters choose the next governor—not political gatekeepers.’
Hicks defended his stance, acknowledging his suggestions might seem ‘overly harsh’ but arguing they’re necessary to prevent a Democratic loss in a deeply blue state. Such a defeat, he warned, could jeopardize Democrats’ chances of retaking the House. Governor Newsom himself admitted there’s ‘some concern’ about the race, though he understands Hicks’s rationale.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Is the Democratic Party right to intervene, or should candidates stay in the race regardless of their odds? Critics argue that party leaders are undermining democracy by trying to consolidate power, while supporters say it’s a pragmatic move to avoid splitting the vote. What do you think? Is this a necessary strategy to protect Democratic interests, or a troubling overstep? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
