California Democratic Party Chair Panics, Begs Weak Candidates to Drop Out as GOP Surge Threatens One-Party Lock on Governorship

In a move that highlights the growing anxiety within the California Democratic Party, Chair Rusty Hicks issued an open letter on Tuesday urging underperforming gubernatorial candidates to bow out of the 2026 race or face the consequences of a potential Republican lockout in the November general election. The letter, addressed to the crowded field of Democratic contenders, comes just days before the March 6 filing deadline and underscores the party’s desperation to consolidate support in a top-two “jungle primary” system that has Democrats on edge.

Whoa. A CA Democratic Party Chair @rustyhicks has seen enough.https://t.co/3fFXlwev9r pic.twitter.com/MmN9HcRgpL

— Paul Mitchell (@paulmitche11) March 3, 2026

Hicks’ letter (see below) acknowledges the strength of the Democratic field, which includes high-profile names like former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Controller Betty Yee, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and others.  However, he warns that the sheer number of candidates—now approaching double digits—could splinter the Democratic vote, allowing two Republicans to advance to the general election under California’s nonpartisan “jungle primary” rules.

“While it is implausible, it is not impossible,” Hicks wrote of the lockout scenario, emphasizing the high stakes not just for the governorship but for down-ballot races, including congressional seats bolstered by the recent passage of Proposition 50. He called for an “honest assessment” of each campaign’s viability, advising: “If you do not have a viable path to make it to the General Election, do not file to place your name on the ballot for the Primary Election.” For those who proceed, Hicks added a stern deadline: suspend campaigns and endorse a frontrunner by April 15 if no “meaningful progress” is shown.

Hicks’ plea reeks of panic from a party that has governed California into crisis—homelessness exploding, businesses fleeing, energy costs soaring, and public safety deteriorating—yet still clings to power through gerrymandering, massive spending advantages, questionable election practices, and media allies.

This intervention reflects mounting concerns fueled by recent polls. A February PPIC survey showed a tight five-way race, with Republican commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco holding strong among GOP voters, while Democrats Porter, Swalwell, and Steyer split the liberal base. Other surveys, including a Zogby poll from last fall, have even placed Hilton atop the field after message testing, highlighting Republican momentum in a state dominated by Democrats. 

As a recent Globe analysis noted, polls indicate half of Californians are now open to GOP candidates, a shift driven by dissatisfaction with one-party, Democratic rule.

The Democratic infighting comes at a precarious time for the party, still reeling from national setbacks and facing a massive $18 billion budget crisis that the next governor will inherit. Republicans, meanwhile, are capitalizing on issues like the high-speed rail boondoggle and public safety, with Republican candidates, like Hilton, are openly criticizing Democratic policies that have led to California being named as the “Fraud Capital of America.”

Hicks’ plea also echoes broader party frustrations, as seen at the recent Democratic convention where no endorsement was made, and a straw poll showed Swalwell edging out competitors like Yee and Becerra.  Yet, with former Vice President Kamala Harris opting out after months of speculation—polls showed her with strong initial support but “no chance” according to critics like former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy—the field remains fragmented.

As the filing deadline looms, Hicks’ letter may force tough decisions, but it also exposes the vulnerabilities of a party that has held the governorship for over a decade. After years of unchecked power, the party now fears the very system they designed could turn against them. Republicans, riding a wave of voter frustration with progressive failures, see an opening to reclaim relevance in the nation’s largest state.