"Political experts said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's entrance into the race last week likely will force a reckoning among fellow Democrats and their donors about nudging some of their now nine contending candidates to step aside to avoid splitting their votes so much that Republicans finish in the top two and advance to November. Other Democrats will have to adjust their messaging to counter a new threat."
"'Mahan upsets the race,' said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University. 'He gets attacked by each side, and he also at the same time puts pressure on the single-digit candidates to get out.'"
"With upward of 30% of voters still undecided, according to recent independent polling, the race to the June 2 primary, where the top two candidates will move on, is still anybody's game, putting a large chunk of voters in play for candidates regardless of party."
"Other contending Democrats include former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, former health secretary and Attorney General Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, investor and environmental advocate Tom Steyer, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee and former Assemblyman Ian Calderon."
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan entered the California governor's race, creating new pressure within an already crowded Democratic field. His entry raises the prospect of vote-splitting that could allow Republicans to finish in the top two and advance to November. Democrats have struggled to coalesce in polling while Republicans see an opening amid high housing costs, homelessness, rising energy rates, and a growing budget deficit. President Donald Trump's unpopularity in California remains a countervailing factor. With roughly 30% of voters undecided before the June 2 top-two primary, multiple candidates remain competitive and strategic adjustments are likely.
Read at The Mercury News
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