California Democrats fail to endorse gubernatorial candidate at 2026 state convention

No candidate reached the 60% threshold required for the party's official endorsement ahead of the June primary

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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At the 2026 California Democratic Party convention in San Francisco, more than 4,000 attendees, including about 3,400 delegates, failed to rally behind a single candidate in the crowded race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. Eight Democratic gubernatorial candidates addressed delegates, but none secured the 60% support required for the party's official endorsement. The lack of an endorsement leaves the contest wide open as the primary election approaches.

Why it matters

The failure to endorse a candidate highlights the deep divisions within the California Democratic Party and the challenges the party faces in unifying behind a single standard-bearer in the governor's race. With no clear frontrunner, the primary contest is likely to be highly competitive and expensive, potentially splintering the Democratic electorate and raising the possibility of two Republicans advancing to the general election under the state's top-two primary system.

The details

At the convention, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell received 24% of delegate votes, followed by former state Controller Betty Yee at 17%, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at 14%, billionaire Tom Steyer at 13%, and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter at 9%. About 8% of delegates either declined to vote or said they had no preference. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who entered the race late, was not eligible for endorsement consideration.

  • The 2026 California Democratic Party convention took place over the weekend of February 21-23, 2026 in San Francisco.
  • The California primary election is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

U.S. Representative who received the most delegate votes at the convention with 24%.

Betty Yee

Former California State Controller who received 17% of delegate votes.

Xavier Becerra

Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services who received 14% of delegate votes.

Tom Steyer

Billionaire who received 13% of delegate votes.

Katie Porter

Former U.S. Representative who received 9% of delegate votes.

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What they’re saying

“Mathematically, just really difficult to get that 60% threshold you need to get the endorsement.”

— Brian Brokaw, Democratic strategist (abc10.com)

“That's what we thought was going to take place going in. That's what took place going out.”

— Tim Rosales, Republican strategist (abc10.com)

“Most voters aren't going to spend a Friday through Sunday at a state party convention.”

— Brian Brokaw, Democratic strategist (abc10.com)

What’s next

The gubernatorial candidates will now shift their focus fully to the June 2026 primary election, where momentum and fundraising will be critical in determining which two candidates advance to the general election in November.

The takeaway

The failure of the California Democratic Party to endorse a gubernatorial candidate at its 2026 convention highlights the deep divisions within the party and the challenges it faces in unifying behind a single standard-bearer. With no clear frontrunner, the primary contest is likely to be highly competitive and expensive, potentially splintering the Democratic electorate and raising the possibility of two Republicans advancing to the general election.