Top California Democrat's call for candidates to exit governor's race falls flat

Party chair's attempt to thin out crowded Democratic field fails, leaving concerns about potential Republican upset

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A late attempt by California's top Democratic official, party chair Rusty Hicks, to get lagging candidates to exit the crowded governor's race was largely ignored, with only one candidate dropping out so far. Hicks had warned that a large Democratic field could split the primary vote and allow two Republicans to advance to the general election, but most candidates refused to heed his call. This marks the first time in over a decade that California's 'top two' primary system has resulted in an open governor's race with no clear front-runner, leading to a flood of Democratic candidates entering the contest.

Why it matters

The possibility of a Republican winning the California governor's race in the heavily Democratic state has raised concerns within the party, as it could depress turnout and hurt Democrats' chances of regaining control of the U.S. House. The party chair's failed attempt to thin out the field highlights the challenges of getting candidates to voluntarily exit a wide-open race.

The details

Outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has acknowledged fears inside the party that multiple Democratic candidates could undercut each other in the June 2 primary election, opening a pathway for a Republican to seize the top job. Friday is the deadline for candidates to formally enter the contest, and Hicks' call earlier this week for lagging candidates to exit the race was largely ignored. Just one candidate, former state Assembly majority leader Ian Calderon, has since ended his campaign. Hicks is also facing allegations from Democratic candidates of bullying, elitism and racial insensitivity.

  • The June 2 primary election is the key date for this race.
  • Friday, March 10 is the deadline for candidates to formally enter the contest.

The players

Rusty Hicks

The chair of the California Democratic Party, who made the unsuccessful call for lagging candidates to exit the governor's race.

Ian Calderon

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

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and a leading Republican candidate for governor.

Steve Hilton

A conservative commentator and a leading Republican candidate for governor.

Katie Porter

A current member of Congress and a Democratic 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 (Associated Press)

“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 (Associated Press)

“That's a decision for individual candidates to make.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman and Democratic candidate for governor (Associated Press)

What’s next

The June 2 primary election will be a key test for the large Democratic field, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.

The takeaway

The failure of the California Democratic Party chair's attempt to thin out the crowded governor's race highlights the challenges of getting candidates to voluntarily exit a wide-open contest, even when there are concerns about a potential Republican upset in the heavily Democratic state.