California Democrats face crowded gubernatorial field as Republicans eye opportunity

The 2026 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom has drawn a large Democratic field, raising concerns about the party's ability to advance to the general election.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:47pm

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California's 2026 gubernatorial race has drawn a large field of Democratic candidates, with over a dozen vying for the nomination. This has raised concerns among some Democrats that the crowded field could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election through the state's top-two primary system, where the top two vote-getters regardless of party advance. Republican leaders have seized on this possibility, taunting Democrats to run even more candidates. However, Democratic strategists caution that labor unions and donors are holding back support due to the crowded field, and no candidate is expected to win the state party's endorsement at the upcoming convention.

Why it matters

California's gubernatorial race is a high-stakes contest, with the winner leading the nation's most populous state. A scenario where no Democrats advance to the general election would be a major setback for the party and could have significant implications for the state's policy direction. Republicans see an opportunity to make inroads in a state that has been dominated by Democrats for years.

The details

California uses a top-two primary system, where all candidates regardless of party appear on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. This has raised concerns that the crowded Democratic field could split the vote, allowing two Republicans to advance. Republican leaders have seized on this possibility, encouraging more Democrats to jump into the race. However, Democratic strategists say donors and labor unions are holding back support due to the large field, and no candidate is expected to win the state party's endorsement at the upcoming convention.

  • The 2026 California gubernatorial election will be held on November 5, 2026.
  • The California Democratic Party convention is scheduled for late February 2026.

The players

Corrin Rankin

The chair of the California Republican Party.

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who is term-limited.

Eric Swalwell

A U.S. Representative running for the Democratic nomination.

Katie Porter

A former U.S. Representative running for the Democratic nomination.

Xavier Becerra

The former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services running for the Democratic nomination.

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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, Former mayor of Los Angeles and former state representative

What’s next

The California Democratic Party convention in late February 2026 is seen as a potential moment of truth, as candidates may drop out if it becomes clear they don't have support to gain the party's endorsement.

The takeaway

The crowded Democratic field in the 2026 California gubernatorial race raises concerns that the party could struggle to advance a candidate to the general election, potentially opening the door for Republicans to make inroads in a state that has been dominated by Democrats for years. The upcoming state party convention could provide more clarity on the direction of the race.