Democrats fear being locked out of the November governor's race. Could it lead to changes in California's top-two primary system?

"With eight prominent Democrats competing to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, party leaders fear the vote could splinter enough that two Republicans—former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—emerge from the June primary as the top finishers. That concern boiled over this week when California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged low-polling candidates to drop out just days before Friday's filing deadline."

"The backlash from the targeted candidates, whom Hicks didn't specifically name in his letter, was swift, with many quickly filing their official candidacy paperwork. Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of public instruction whose candidacy has been polling in the single digits, went as far as calling the political system rigged, while newcomer San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan criticized the political gatekeepers for trying to choose the next governor."

"California transitioned to the top-two primary system following the passage of Proposition 14 in 2010. Backed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Chamber of Commerce, the initiative came amid broader political reforms that included reducing the share of votes needed to approve the budget to a simple majority of the legislature."

California's top-two primary system, implemented after Proposition 14 in 2010, was designed to encourage moderate candidates and broad appeal. However, the 2026 gubernatorial race demonstrates an unintended consequence: with eight prominent Democrats competing, party leaders fear vote fragmentation could result in two Republicans—former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—advancing to November's general election. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urged low-polling candidates to withdraw before the filing deadline, sparking backlash from rivals who accused party leadership of manipulating the process. Most candidates proceeded with filing, though former Assemblymember Ian Calderon withdrew and endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell. Other Democratic candidates include Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee.

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