Polls Show Two Republican Candidates Leading the Race
CALIFORNIA — California Democratic leaders are expressing serious concern over the possibility of two Republican candidates leading and advancing to the November gubernatorial general election. This comes as the June primary election operates under a “jungle primary” system, where only the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, move forward.
Recent survey results indicate that two Republican candidates currently hold the leading positions:
- Steve Hilton (Republican): 17%
- Chad Bianco (Republican): 14%
Meanwhile, Democratic voter support is evenly distributed among several candidates:
- Eric Swalwell: 14%
- Katie Porter: 12%
- Tom Steyer: 9%
The list of Democratic candidates also includes Matt Mahan, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond, Xavier Becerra, and Betty Yee.
Democratic Lawmaker Calls the Situation “a Mess”
A state Democratic lawmaker told The Post that the current situation constitutes “a mess,” expressing concern about the potential for “two extreme Republican candidates” in the general election.
If this scenario unfolds, it would be the first time since Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011 that California could have a Republican governor.
Internal Debate on Consolidating Around a Single Candidate
California State Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks believes the candidate list will “self-filter over time” and expressed confidence that Democratic voters will select a strong candidate.
However, some lawmakers and political strategists remain skeptical. One source suggested that only incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom or former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi possess enough influence to persuade candidates to withdraw to avoid splitting the vote.
Pelosi briefly mentioned the importance of electing a Democratic governor in her speech at the party convention last weekend in San Francisco, without making any specific calls.
Democratic Candidate Dismisses “Two Republican” Scenario
Antonio Villaraigosa, one of the Democratic candidates, dismissed the possibility of two Republicans securing both top spots. He asserted, “Everyone has the right to run for office.”
Meanwhile, Matt Dorsey, a San Francisco city supervisor and supporter of candidate Matt Mahan, acknowledged the concern: “Two Republican candidates have high percentages, while Democrats have not yet rallied around anyone.”
The California gubernatorial race is entering an uncertain phase, with an unprecedented scenario entirely possible if current polling trends continue until the June primary election day.
