California Democratic Party Chair Urges Some Gubernatorial Candidates to Drop Out

Hicks says too many Democrats running could risk a Republican-only general election matchup

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Rusty Hicks, the chair of the California Democratic Party, is suggesting that some of the nine leading Democratic candidates for governor consider dropping out of the race before the filing deadline. Hicks warns that if the Democratic vote is too split, the two Republican candidates could end up facing each other in the general election, which he says could deter Democratic voters and hurt the party's efforts to retake the U.S. House. However, some candidates who have already filed say they have no plans to drop out.

Why it matters

California's governor race is a high-stakes election that could have significant implications for the state's leadership and the national political landscape. If the Democratic vote is split, it could open the door for Republicans to gain ground in a state that has been solidly Democratic in recent years.

The details

Hicks sent a letter to the Democratic candidates urging them to "honestly assess the viability of their candidacy" before the filing deadline on March 6. He said the risk of Democrats getting blocked out of the general election is "relatively low, but not impossible." The nine leading Democratic candidates include Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, and Eric Swalwell. Meanwhile, the leading Republican candidates are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and TV commentator Steve Hilton.

  • The filing deadline for the June 2 primary is this Friday, March 6.
  • The general election is scheduled for November 3.

The players

Rusty Hicks

The chair of the California Democratic Party.

Tony Thurmond

One of the nine leading Democratic candidates for governor, who said he thought about his family's struggles after filing his candidacy.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire Democratic candidate who has been visible in daily TV commercials, stressing his campaign to lower utility rates and support affordable housing.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A Democratic candidate who is appearing regularly in TV commercials, saying he will crack down on federal immigration officers who threaten the safety of Californians.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, who is one of the leading Republican candidates.

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What they’re saying

“Therefore, with the filing deadline approaching this Friday, March 6th, and the Primary Election quickly following, it is imperative that every candidate honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign.”

— Rusty Hicks, Chair of the California Democratic Party (timesofsandiego.com)

“I grew up in a household where we didn't have food most of the time, and we relied on free lunches and food stamps and government cheese to make it. Education saved my life, and I became a social worker and help foster youth.”

— Tony Thurmond (X)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.