California Democrats Divided as Gubernatorial Candidates Refuse to Drop Out

Party chair's plea to cull crowded field goes largely unheeded, raising fears of Republican victory

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Despite a plea from the head of the California Democratic Party for underperforming candidates to drop out of the governor's race, all but one of the party's top hopefuls spurned the request. Party leaders fear the growing possibility that the crowded field will split the Democratic electorate in the state's June top-two primary election and result in two Republicans advancing to the November ballot, ensuring a Republican governor being elected for the first time since 2006.

Why it matters

The California Democratic Party's inability to consolidate its gubernatorial field raises concerns about the party's ability to maintain its stronghold on statewide offices in the nation's most populous state. A Republican victory in the governor's race would mark a major political shift in California, which has been solidly Democratic at the state level for nearly two decades.

The details

Eight top Democratic candidates filed the official paperwork to appear on the June ballot after state party Chairman Rusty Hicks released a letter urging those 'who cannot show meaningful progress towards winning' to drop out. Just one candidate, former Assemblyman Ian Calderon, heeded the party's call and withdrew from the race. Candidates cannot remove their names from the ballot once they officially file, leading to fears that a crowded primary could still split the Democratic vote even if other candidates drop out.

  • The deadline to file for the June primary election ballot is Friday, March 11, 2026.
  • The California Democratic Party will announce whether it will endorse in the governor's race on March 16, 2026.

The players

Rusty Hicks

The chairman of the California Democratic Party, who urged underperforming gubernatorial candidates to drop out of the race.

Antonio Villaraigosa

A former mayor of Los Angeles and one of the top Democratic candidates for governor who dismissed Hicks' plea.

Ian Calderon

A former Assemblyman who was one of the lower-polling Democratic candidates and withdrew from the race, endorsing Rep. Eric Swalwell.

Lorena Gonzalez

The head of the California Federation of Labor Unions, which will announce whether it endorses in the governor's race on March 16.

Jodi Hicks

The chief executive and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, who expressed concern about the prospect of two Republicans advancing to the November ballot.

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What they’re saying

“It sounded like someone who has his head in the sand. [Most] of us filed within 24 hours of getting that letter. It created some press but not much else. It didn't impact [most] of the candidates and it certainly didn't impact my candidacy.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times)

“Our political system is rigged, corrupted by the political elites, the wealthy and well connected. The California Democratic Party is essentially telling every person of color in the race for Governor to drop out.”

— Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (Twitter)

“I'm disappointed most of them will be on the ballot. But I do still think you can have people drop out of the race or become viable. I think that there are candidates who know viability is a real thing they have to show in coming weeks' before ballots start being mailed to voters.”

— Lorena Gonzalez, Head of the California Federation of Labor Unions (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The California Democratic Party will announce whether it will endorse in the governor's race on March 16, 2026, which could influence the dynamics of the crowded field.

The takeaway

The California Democratic Party's inability to consolidate its gubernatorial field highlights the party's internal divisions and the limited power of party leaders in the modern political landscape. This dynamic raises concerns about the party's ability to maintain its dominance in statewide elections, with the potential for a Republican victory in the governor's race for the first time in two decades.