California Democratic Party Chair Urges Gubernatorial Candidates to Drop Out

Concerns over crowded field preventing Democrats from appearing on November ballot

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The leader of the California Democratic Party has called on candidates who 'do not have a viable path' to the general election to drop out of the state's crowded gubernatorial race. Party Chair Rusty Hicks said the lengthy list of candidates in the 'jungle primary' system could risk 'locking out' any Democrat from the November ballot in the solidly blue state, which could lower turnout for critical House races.

Why it matters

California's 'jungle primary' system, where candidates from all parties compete in the same primary with the top two vote-getters advancing, has raised concerns among Democrats that the crowded field of candidates could prevent any Democrat from appearing on the November ballot for governor. This could negatively impact turnout for other key Democratic races in the state.

The details

In an open letter, Hicks asked the long list of Democratic candidates to conduct an 'honest assessment' of their campaigns and drop out if they 'do not have a viable path to make it to the General Election.' The filing deadline for candidates is March 6, and Hicks asked those who do file to be prepared to suspend their campaigns and endorse another candidate by April 15 if their campaign cannot show 'meaningful progress' in the coming weeks.

  • The filing deadline for candidates to run is Friday, March 6, ahead of the June 2 primary.
  • Hicks asked candidates who decide to file to be prepared to suspend their campaigns and endorse another candidate on or before April 15.

The players

Rusty Hicks

The chair of the California Democratic Party.

Gavin Newsom

The term-limited governor of California.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic candidate for California governor.

Katie Porter

A former Democratic representative and candidate for California governor.

Xavier Becerra

A former Democratic Health and Human Services Secretary and candidate for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“If you do not have a viable path to make it to the General Election, do not file to place your name on the ballot for the Primary Election.”

— Rusty Hicks, California Democratic Party Chair

“The likelihood of two Republicans effectively 'locking out' California Democrats from the contest for Governor in the General Election is relatively low. However, while it is implausible, it is not impossible and I know we are collectively committed to taking the steps required to avoid that possibility.”

— Rusty Hicks, California Democratic Party Chair

What’s next

The filing deadline for candidates to run is Friday, March 6, ahead of the June 2 primary. Hicks asked candidates who decide to file to be prepared to suspend their campaigns and endorse another candidate on or before April 15 if their campaign cannot show 'meaningful progress' in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

California's 'jungle primary' system has raised concerns among Democrats that the crowded field of gubernatorial candidates could prevent any Democrat from appearing on the November ballot, potentially impacting turnout for other key races in the state. The California Democratic Party chair is urging candidates without a 'viable path' to the general election to drop out in order to avoid this scenario.