Trending Now - California Democratic Leader Urges Candidates to Withdraw From Governor Race

WHO:

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party

Democratic candidates for governor in California

Gov. Gavin Newsom (termed-out)

Lorena Gonzalez, head of the California Federation of Labor Unions

Jodi Hicks, chief executive and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

Former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Tom Steyer (Democratic candidates)

Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (Republican candidates)

Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary

WHAT:

Rusty Hicks sent a letter urging Democratic candidates with low support to drop out of the governor race.

Hicks stated that candidates should assess the viability of their campaigns.

He expressed concern about the risk of a Republican winning the gubernatorial race.

A recent poll indicated five leading candidates: Porter, Swalwell, Steyer (Democrats), Hilton, and Bianco (Republicans).

Jon Slavet, a Republican candidate, announced his withdrawal from the race.

The California Democratic Party is expected to announce endorsements on March 16, 2026.

WHERE:

California

Los Angeles (location of the candidate forum hosted by Equality California and the Los Angeles LGBT Center)

WHEN:

Letter sent on Tuesday, February 28, 2026

Deadline for candidates to officially file to run for governor is on Friday, March 3, 2026

Endorsement announcement expected on March 16, 2026

Candidate forum held on Monday, February 27, 2026

WHY:

Hicks warned that splintering the Democratic vote could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election, which could harm Democratic voter turnout and jeopardize down-ballot races.

Concerns were raised about the implications of a Republican governor during President Trump's administration.

HOW:

Hicks communicated his concerns through an open letter to Democratic candidates.

Discussions about candidate viability occurred at the California Democratic Party convention.

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, has sent an open letter urging Democratic candidates with low support to consider dropping out of the governor race, expressing concern that splintering the Democratic vote could allow Republicans to advance in the election. In a recent poll, the leading candidates include Democrats Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Tom Steyer, alongside Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, while Republican Jon Slavet has announced his withdrawal from the race. The California Democratic Party is expected to announce endorsements on March 16, following a candidate forum held last Monday in Los Angeles, where discussions about candidate viability took place.