California Democrats Crowd Governor's Race, Raising GOP Hopes

A crowded Democratic field could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:55am

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With a dozen Democrats vying for the California governor's race in 2026, there are concerns that the crowded field could split the Democratic vote and allow two Republicans to advance to the general election through the state's top-two primary system. Republican leaders are openly taunting Democrats about the situation, while some Democratic strategists acknowledge it as a real possibility that raises "eyebrows and generates concern."

Why it matters

California's top-two primary system, where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, has raised the possibility that two Republicans could make it to the general election for governor, even in the heavily Democratic state. This would be a significant shift in the political landscape and could have major implications for the direction of the state.

The details

The Democratic field includes U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, among others. Some candidates are struggling to break through, but say they want to stay in the race because of their experience. Meanwhile, Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are expressing confidence that one of them will make it to the top two slots. Hilton, a business owner and former Fox News host, cites backlash to high costs and other challenges in California, while Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, says the crowded Democratic field is due to a lack of an heir apparent from outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom.

  • The California Democratic Party's upcoming convention in late February could be a 'moment of truth' for some candidates.
  • The 2026 California gubernatorial election primary is scheduled for June.

The players

Corrin Rankin

The chair of the California Republican Party.

Steven Maviglio

A California-based Democratic operative.

RL Miller

The chair of the California Democratic Party's Environmental Caucus.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A former mayor of Los Angeles and former state representative who is running for governor.

Betty Yee

California's former state controller who is running for governor.

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What they’re saying

“I think the Democrats should have a few more candidates. I say, if you're a Democrat, and you feel like running for governor? I say, jump in.”

— Corrin Rankin, Chair of the California Republican Party

“The fact that it's a possibility at all is enough to raise eyebrows and generate concern.”

— Steven Maviglio, California-based Democratic operative

“I'm running on a vision for California that says we can restore the California Dream... [I'm] the only one in this in this race who's been a chief executive of a large city.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa

“I think at the end of the day voters really do want somebody who can really just get on the job and begin to do the work.”

— Betty Yee, California's former state controller

“There's a majority, a clear majority, who think we need change, and that means a change from the Democrats.”

— Steve Hilton, Business owner and former Fox News host

What’s next

The California Democratic Party's upcoming convention in late February could be a pivotal moment for the crowded field of candidates, as they vie for the party's endorsement.

The takeaway

The crowded Democratic field in the 2026 California governor's race raises the possibility of a scenario where two Republicans advance to the general election, a concerning prospect for Democrats in the heavily blue state. This highlights the potential unintended consequences of California's top-two primary system and the need for strategic coordination among Democratic candidates.