California Dem Chair Warns Party Could Be Shut Out Of Governor’s Race

California Democrats are warning their own candidates that a crowded gubernatorial primary could create an unexpected risk in the state’s top-two election system.

In a letter to the wide pool of Democrats seeking to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks, a former union boss, urged candidates to assess whether they have a shot at advancing to the general election.

Under California’s “jungle primary” system in June, all candidates appear on the same ballot, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election in November regardless of party. Some Democrats fear vote-splitting among their candidates could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election. There are more than a dozen Democrats in the race, including Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer. Newsom has not publicly endorsed anyone.

Meanwhile, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton are considered the leading Republicans in the race. Some polls have shown Bianco and Hilton within striking distance of the top two, while others suggest both could advance if Democratic support fragments.

“Despite the ongoing chatter, the likelihood of two Republicans effectively ‘locking out’ California Democrats from the contest for Governor in the General Election is relatively low,” Hicks wrote. “However, while it is implausible, it is not impossible.”

Hicks called on the Democratic candidates to “honestly assess the viability of their candidacy,” suggesting those without a viable path of finishing in the top two consider dropping out “on or before April 15th.”

Hicks further added that if Republicans successfully lock out the Democrats, it could lead to “depressed Democratic turnout” and damage the party’s chances in other critical down-ballot races.

“The result would present a real risk to winning the congressional seats required and imperil Democrats’ chances to retake the House, cut Donald Trump’s term in half, and spare our Nation from the pain many have endured since January 2025. We simply can’t let that happen,” he wrote.

The primary is scheduled for June 2.

RELATED: Democrats Keep Jumping Into California Gov Race. It Might Accidentally Boost Republicans.