California Democrats Urge Candidates to Drop Out of Crowded Gubernatorial Race

California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks has urged Democratic candidates for governor with limited prospects to withdraw from the race before the filing deadline, citing concerns about vote-splitting and the possibility of a Republican winning the November general election. This call for consolidation was echoed by Governor Gavin Newsom himself.

Newsom Agrees with Call for Candidates to Step Aside

Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his agreement with Hicks’ assessment during a public appearance on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Newsom emphasized the importance of preventing a Republican candidate from winning in a state that is overwhelmingly Democratic, particularly with former President Donald Trump potentially seeking another term in the White House. He stated that California cannot afford to have a “Republican Trumper” in office.

Concerns Over Primary System and Minority Representation

California’s “top-two” primary system allows the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election. This system raises the risk of a scenario where two Republicans could compete in November. The Los Angeles Times reported that most of the struggling Democratic candidates are people of color, sparking concerns that the push for candidates to drop out could disproportionately impact minority representation within the party.

Hicks’ Open Letter and Party Concerns

Rusty Hicks communicated his concerns in an open letter to the Democratic candidates, urging them to honestly assess their viability. Politico noted that such a public admonishment from a party leader is rare in California politics. Hicks acknowledged that his suggestions might be viewed as harsh but stressed the urgency of the situation.

Newsom’s Memoir and Broader Political Context

Newsom’s comments came during a discussion promoting his new memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.” He used the opportunity to reflect on his personal journey, including his struggles with dyslexia and his family history. He also addressed recent criticism from within the LGBTQ+ community regarding his call for the Democratic Party to be “more culturally normal” and less focused on issues of identity, as The Guardian reported. The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus criticized Newsom’s statement, arguing that defining what is “culturally normal” implies that others are not.

Looking Ahead

With the filing deadline approaching, the coming days will be crucial in determining the final lineup of candidates for the June primary. The outcome of this primary will have significant implications for the future of California politics and the national political landscape.