Nine Democratic candidates sought the party’s endorsement in California’s gubernatorial race but failed to achieve the 60% threshold at the state convention held in late February 2026. None secured the endorsement to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, leaving the party without a unified candidate as the election approaches. The ballot for the June 2026 primary features a crowded field that has prompted concerns among Democrats about splitting votes and allowing Republicans to advance.
The race included prominent Democrats such as former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, current U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, and megadonor Tom Steyer. Polls from early 2026 showed these three candidates effectively tied at the top of the field, with each capturing significant portions of the Democratic electorate. However, the fragmented nature of the race made it difficult for any single candidate to consolidate enough support to secure the party’s official backing.
Democratic concerns grew around the prospect that having multiple candidates in the primary could split votes sufficiently to allow two Republicans to advance to the November general election under California’s nonpartisan top-two primary system. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco have raised substantial funds and registered measurable support in polls, with Hilton leading in fundraising efforts. This dynamic has fueled calls within the Democratic Party for some candidates to withdraw in order to avoid weakening the party’s overall position in the race.
The attempt to secure the endorsement took place over a weekend state convention, where eight of the nine Democrats in the race made their pitches to party delegates. The absence of an endorsement underlined the difficulty in consolidating support amid a high number of contenders and a competitive environment.
As the June primary approaches, the top tier of candidates continues to include Porter, Swalwell, and Steyer, with race results expected to be close. Republican candidates also remain competitive, keeping the outcome uncertain.
The 2026 California gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026. It follows Newsom’s departure due to term limits, opening the contest for new leadership in the state’s highest office. California’s open primary system allows the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election, contributing to strategic implications in crowded races such as this one.
The complex field and absence of a clear Democratic frontrunner at the party convention reflect ongoing challenges within California’s Democratic ranks as candidates jostle for position in a pivotal statewide election.
