Jon Stewart Worries Democrats Could Lose California Governor Race

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Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show, has expressed concern that the large number of Democratic candidates running for California governor could split the party's vote and allow a Republican to win the race. In a conversation with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who is running as a Democrat, Stewart noted that there are multiple Republicans running while the Democratic field is much larger, which he said "smacks of the Democratic Party to split the vote into such fractious fiefdoms that the only two people standing are the two Republicans."

Why it matters

California is considered a stronghold for the Democratic Party, so the possibility of a Republican winning the governor's race would be a significant political upset. Stewart's comments highlight the potential risks of a crowded primary field for the Democrats and the potential consequences of vote-splitting.

The details

In California, the top two vote-getters in the primary election, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. With multiple Democrats running and only a few Republicans, Stewart is worried that the Democratic vote could be divided, allowing two Republicans to make it to the final round. This would be "absolutely hilarious" from the perspective of Republicans, who have long sought to make inroads in the traditionally blue state.

• The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2026.
• The general election will take place in November 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2026, and the general election will take place in November 2026. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the political landscape in the state and the country.