SACRAMENTO — The race for California’s governor is heating up, and party leaders are worried. Rusty Hicks, the head of the California Democratic Party, urged struggling candidates to bow out. Most ignored him.
The crowded field may split the Democratic vote in the June primary, which could allow two Republicans to secure a spot on the November ballot. This would mean a Republican governor for the first time since 2006.
Hicks pointed out that the candidates need to show they can win. “They have a chance to showcase a viable path to victory,” he said. Eight major Democrats have officially entered the race, even after Hicks’s plea. The deadline for filing is approaching, and voters will see the final list on March 21.
Some candidates dismissed Hicks’s advice. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said it made little impact. “It created some press but not much else,” he remarked.
Democratic strategist Elizabeth Ashford agreed that public suggestions from party leaders are essential. However, this situation shows how little influence modern party bosses have compared to the past. She recalled the Tammany Hall days when a few could control everything. “It’s definitely not that anymore,” she said.
Interestingly, one candidate did heed Hicks’s message: Ian Calderon, who had been polling low, withdrew and endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell. But withdrawing from the ballot isn’t easy—once candidates file, they can’t take their names off, possibly splitting the vote even more.
Concerns are rising among party leaders. Jodi Hicks, of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, voiced worry about the prospect of two Republicans winning and shutting out Democrats in the general election. “The stakes are really high right now,” she said.
Republican candidate Steve Hilton feels confident about placing in the top two. After a recent forum in Sacramento, candidates found common ground on critical issues like housing costs, which are a pressing concern in California. The median price for a single-family home is over $820,000, a challenge for many residents.
In a recent Public Policy Institute of California survey, candidates including Swalwell and several Republicans were extremely close in polling—within 4 percentage points. This tight race shows just how divided voter opinions can be, leaving many unsure of their support.
Some candidates pointed out that Hicks’s call to streamline the field seemed to unfairly target people of color. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond criticized the suggestion, saying it reflects a broader problem of elite control in politics.
Meanwhile, the candidates are still battling for attention. Villaraigosa argues that it’s too early for candidates to drop out, suggesting that many voters haven’t even heard of the candidates yet.
Despite everything, the race remains unpredictable. Swalwell secured a significant portion of delegate support at the last Democratic convention, while Tom Steyer has invested nearly $47 million of his own money into his campaign.
As the primary approaches, political careers and past victories weigh on candidates’ decisions to stay in the race. The dynamics of this election reflect changing voter sentiments and the ongoing challenges within party politics in California.
For more insights on California political dynamics, you can check out the Public Policy Institute of California.
