SACRAMENTO — Anxiety is mounting among California Democrats as the state’s gubernatorial race heats up. Despite a clarion call from party leaders for underperforming candidates to withdraw, most of the Democratic hopefuls have rebuffed the request. This reluctance to consolidate the field raises concerns that a splintered Democratic electorate could allow two Republicans to advance to the November general election, resulting in the potential election of a Republican governor for the first time since 2006.
State party Chairman Rusty Hicks articulated these fears in a statement, emphasizing that the future of a Democratic victory now rests with the candidates who have dismissed his guidance. “The candidates for Governor now have a chance to showcase a viable path to win,” Hicks stated, urging those who cannot demonstrate significant progress to reconsider their candidacy.
Eight major Democratic candidates have filed the necessary paperwork to appear on the June ballot. This comes after Hicks released an open letter on March 3, advising candidates who are unlikely to succeed to withdraw from the race. The deadline to file for the primary election is March 6 and the California Secretary of State’s office will announce the final list of candidates on March 21.
Responses to Party Leadership
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, one of the prominent candidates, criticized Hicks’ letter, suggesting it reflected a disconnect with the realities of the campaign. “It sounded like someone who has his head in the sand,” he remarked, noting that most of the candidates filed their paperwork shortly after receiving the letter. Villaraigosa indicated that the letter had little impact on his campaign.
Democratic strategist Elizabeth Ashford defended Hicks and other party leaders, stating that public discussions about candidate viability are essential. Although, she acknowledged the limited influence party leaders currently wield. “It’s definitely not Tammany Hall,” Ashford said, referencing a historic political machine in New York City. She also noted that the dominance of Democratic voters — nearly two to one over Republicans in California — might contribute to candidates’ reluctance to exit the race.
Candidate Landscape
Ian Calderon, a former Assemblyman from Los Angeles who consistently polled at the bottom, is the only candidate to heed Hicks’ advice, having withdrawn from the race to endorse Rep. Eric Swalwell. Concerns remain that even if some candidates drop out, the primary ballot could still be too crowded, further dividing Democratic votes. Lorena Gonzalez, head of the California Federation of Labor Unions, expressed disappointment over the number of candidates remaining in the race, emphasizing the need for candidates to demonstrate their viability before ballots are sent out to voters.
Jodi Hicks, president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, shared her apprehension about the possibility of two Republicans securing the top spots in the primary, which would effectively shut Democrats out of the governor’s race in November. “I’m just particularly, very concerned and the stakes are really high right now and seem to be getting worse by the day,” she stated.
Republican Candidates Weigh In
In contrast, Republican candidate Steve Hilton expressed confidence in his ability to secure a spot in the top two alongside a Democratic candidate. “I find it very difficult to believe that the Democratic Party will just surrender California and allow two Republicans to be in the top two,” he declared after participating in a gubernatorial forum focused on housing and homeownership.
The forum, hosted by the California Association of Realtors, saw candidates from both parties discussing housing issues, with many agreeing on the need to reduce barriers for homeownership in California, where the median single-family home price exceeds $820,000. They also explored proposals to discourage private investment firms from purchasing homes and discussed a proposed $25 billion bond to assist first-time homebuyers.
Polling and Candidate Viability
A recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California indicated that the top five candidates were within a narrow margin of four percentage points, showcasing a highly competitive landscape. Candidates such as Swalwell, Villaraigosa, and others are closely bunched in polling, which has left many voters undecided.
Criticism of Hicks’ call for candidates to exit the race has also surfaced, particularly from those who note that several candidates he targeted are people of color. State Supt. Of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond remarked on social media that the Democratic Party’s request appeared to signal that candidates of color should step down. Villaraigosa further argued that since many voters remain undecided, it is premature for candidates to withdraw.
Looking ahead, candidates must demonstrate their viability as the primary approaches. While Swalwell received 24% support from delegates at the state Democratic convention, former hedge fund manager Tom Steyer has invested significantly in his campaign, contributing $47.4 million of his own wealth. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has quickly garnered financial support, reflecting the high stakes of the upcoming election.
As the June primary approaches, Democrats will need to assess their strategies and rally support to ensure a unified front against Republican candidates. With the stakes higher than ever, the coming weeks will be crucial for candidates as they seek to solidify their positions and appeal to voters.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, observers will be keen to notice how candidates respond to the pressures of the primary race and whether any additional withdrawals will follow Calderon’s lead. Comments and discussion surrounding the candidates and their platforms are encouraged as the election draws nearer.
