California Democrats Struggle to Thin Crowded Governor's Race

Party chair's call for lagging candidates to exit flops as field remains largely unchanged ahead of primary

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A late attempt by California's top Democratic official to thin out the party's crowded field for governor has largely 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 fears that multiple candidates could undercut each other in the June 2 primary election, potentially opening a pathway for a Republican to seize the governorship in one of the nation's most solidly Democratic states. Democrats are trying to regain control of the U.S. House and are concerned that a Democratic vacancy at the top of the California ticket in November could depress turnout.

The details

Hicks argued that it was possible 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 June 2, 2026 primary election is when the crowded Democratic field will be narrowed down.

The players

Rusty Hicks

The chair of the California Democratic Party who called for lagging candidates to exit the governor's race.

Ian Calderon

The former state Assembly majority leader who has since ended his campaign for governor.

Katie Porter

A current member of Congress who is running for governor.

Eric Swalwell

A current member of Congress who is running for governor.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and 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 (ksgf.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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The June 2, 2026 primary election will determine which two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the November general election under California's 'top two' primary system.

The takeaway

The crowded Democratic field for California governor raises concerns about a potential Republican upset, as multiple candidates could split the party's primary vote and allow only two GOP contenders to advance to the general election. Party leaders' efforts to thin the field have so far been unsuccessful, leaving Democrats to navigate a complex and unpredictable race.