California Democratic chair tells gubernatorial candidates to ’assess’ their campaigns

try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry South Korean stock trading halted after KOSPI slides over 8% Stocks close in the red as widening Middle East conflict sparks inflation fears Gold slips on stronger dollar; safe haven demand remains high amid Iran conflict After FOUR 60%+ wins - a new list of AI-picked stocks for March IS LIVE NOW (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) California Democratic chair tells gubernatorial candidates to ’assess’ their campaigns By Politics Published 03/03/2026, 10:07 PM Updated 03/03/2026, 10:12 PM California Democratic chair tells gubernatorial candidates to ’assess’ their campaigns 0 By Jasper Ward WASHINGTON, March 3 - California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks on Tuesday told candidates seeking the party’s nomination for governor to "honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign," citing worries that too large a field could hand the state’s top office to a Republican. Under California law, the two candidates who get the most votes in the state’s open primary, regardless of party, would advance to the general election. This means if two Republicans were to receive the most votes in the state’s June 2 primary, there would be no Democrats on the ballot in November in the heavily Democratic state. "Despite the ongoing chatter, the likelihood of two Republicans effectively ’locking out’ California Democrats from the contest for Governor in the General Election is relatively low," Hicks wrote in an open letter to the party’s gubernatorial candidates. "However, while it is implausible, it is not impossible and I know we are collectively committed to taking the steps required to avoid that possibility." The state adopted an open primary system in 2012. Since then both Republicans and Democrats have been represented on general election ballots, though Democrats have won all races since 2011. Gavin Newsom, who is considered a likely contender for the 2028 U.S. presidential election, is serving in his second ...