California Democrats Fail to Thin Crowded Governor's Race

Party chair's call for lagging candidates to exit contest largely ignored ahead of primary

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A late-hour attempt by California's top Democratic official to thin out the party's crowded field for governor failed, leaving the contest virtually unchanged and Democrats concerned about the possibility of a Republican upset in November. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged lagging candidates to exit the race, but only one candidate, former state Assembly majority leader Ian Calderon, has since ended his campaign.

Why it matters

The large Democratic field raises concerns that the party's vote could be split, potentially allowing a Republican to advance to the general election in the solidly Democratic state. Democrats are trying to regain control of the U.S. House, and a Republican governor in California could depress turnout and hurt those efforts.

The details

Hicks argued that a large Democratic field could carve up the party's primary vote into small fractions, allowing only two Republican candidates to advance to the November election under California's 'top two' primary system. However, most candidates were unmoved by Hicks' call, with state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond saying the party is 'essentially telling every candidate of color … to drop out.' San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said there was plenty of time for candidates to make a mark, noting 'people are just starting to tune in.'

  • The deadline for candidates to formally enter the contest is Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Rusty Hicks

Chair of the California Democratic Party, who made a call for lagging candidates to exit the governor's race.

Ian Calderon

Former state Assembly majority leader, who has since ended his campaign for governor.

Katie Porter

Current member of Congress, running for governor of California.

Eric Swalwell

Current member of Congress, running for governor of California.

Chad Bianco

Riverside County Sheriff, running as a Republican candidate for governor.

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What they’re saying

“People don't say, 'You want me to drop out? OK.'”

— Bill Carrick, Democratic consultant (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“There is a role for every candidate, always, in every race, to look at whether or not they have a path forward. I'm sure those are hard moments for them.”

— Katie Porter (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

The California primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where voters will narrow the field of candidates for the November general election.

The takeaway

The crowded Democratic field for California governor raises concerns about vote-splitting and the possibility of a Republican upset, highlighting the challenges the party faces in maintaining control of the state's top office.