Trending Now - Newsom Faces Criticism Amid GOP Concerns and Governor Race Chaos
WHO:
Gavin Newsom: Outgoing Governor of California
Rusty Hicks: Chair of California’s Democratic Party
Ian Calderon: Former state Assembly majority leader, withdrew from the race
Eric Swalwell: Congress member, received support from 24% of delegates at the state Democratic convention
Katie Porter: Former congresswoman, candidate in the gubernatorial race
Chad Bianco: Riverside County Sheriff, Republican candidate
Steve Hilton: Conservative political commentator, Republican candidate
Antonio Villaraigosa: Former Mayor of Los Angeles, candidate in the gubernatorial race
Tony Thurmond: State schools superintendent, candidate in the gubernatorial race
Tom Steyer: Billionaire environmental activist, candidate in the gubernatorial race
Betty Yee: Former state controller, candidate in the gubernatorial race
Matt Mahan: Mayor of San Jose, candidate in the gubernatorial race
Jodi Hicks: Chief executive and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Lorena Gonzalez: Head of the California Federation of Labor Unions
Bill Carrick: Los Angeles-based Democratic consultant
Sam Rodriguez: Former political director for the state party
WHAT:
At least nine Democrats are running for governor in California.
Rusty Hicks urged candidates without a "viable path" to drop out of the race.
Ian Calderon withdrew from the race and endorsed Eric Swalwell.
The deadline for candidates to file for the primary election is March 10, 2026.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
A recent poll indicated that five candidates are within 4 percentage points of each other.
Newsom predicted that Trump would lead to a Republican wipeout in the November elections.
Newsom's book titled "Young Man in a Hurry" was mentioned.
Newsom raised $120 million for redistricting efforts.
WHERE:
California: The state where the gubernatorial race is taking place.
San Francisco: Location of a candidates debate on February 3, 2026.
Hayward, California: Location of a press conference where Newsom criticized Trump on March 2, 2026.
Sacramento: Location of a gubernatorial forum hosted by the California Association of Realtors.
WHEN:
March 2, 2026: Newsom's press conference criticizing Trump.
March 3, 2026: Newsom appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".
March 10, 2026: Deadline for candidates to file for the primary election.
March 16, 2026: Planned announcement by the California Federation of Labor Unions regarding endorsements.
June 2, 2026: Date of the primary election.
November 2026: Date of the general election.
WHY:
Concerns that a crowded Democratic field could lead to two Republicans advancing to the November election.
Rusty Hicks expressed that a Democratic loss could "imperil Democrats’ chances to retake the House".
Newsom's comments on Trump were aimed at rallying Democratic support against Republican candidates.
HOW:
Candidates are encouraged to assess their viability and consider suspending their campaigns if they do not show meaningful progress.
Newsom's campaign strategies include redistricting efforts and fundraising to support Democratic candidates.
Polling by the Public Policy Institute of California is used to gauge candidate standings.
In California, at least nine Democrats are vying for the governorship, with Rusty Hicks urging those without a viable path to consider dropping out, while Ian Calderon has already withdrawn and endorsed Eric Swalwell. The primary election is set for June 2, and a recent poll shows five candidates are within just four percentage points of each other, raising concerns that a crowded Democratic field could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election in November. Meanwhile, outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom has been actively campaigning, recently criticizing Trump during a press conference in Hayward and raising $120 million for redistricting efforts to bolster Democratic chances.