In California's governor race, Democratic candidates press on despite party chair's plea for some to exit

"In California, the top two vote-getters in the governor's race, regardless of party affiliation, move on to the November general election. That means if too many Democratic candidates split the vote, it could create a situation where two Republicans end up in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the primary election, thus locking Democrats out of the November runoff."

"California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks penned an open letter Tuesday urging candidates to honestly assess their chances of winning. Those without a real shot at advancing to the November general election, Hicks suggested, should exit the contest before a looming filing deadline."

"Former Rep. Katie Porter, billionaire environmental advocate Tom Steyer and Rep. Eric Swalwell frequently poll ahead of their fellow Democrats in the race, though Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are in the mix to land in the top two spots as well. And no one has an overwhelming lead in polling at this stage of the race."

California's top-two primary system creates a strategic challenge for Democrats in the gubernatorial race. Party Chair Rusty Hicks issued an open letter urging candidates without viable paths to victory to withdraw before the filing deadline, warning that vote-splitting among Democrats could allow two Republicans to advance to the November general election. Despite this plea, nine prominent Democratic candidates remained in the race as of Wednesday. Leading contenders include Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, and Eric Swalwell, while lower-polling candidates include Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco also compete for top-two placement. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, entering late, has raised substantial Silicon Valley funding and maintains campaign confidence.

Read at www.dailynews.com