Archive · 18 Jan 2026
California Governor Race: Democrats Face Split
In California, there's a special rule for choosing the governor.
In June, all candidates, no matter their party, will be on the same ballot.
The top two will then face each other in November.
Right now, there are many Democrats running, and they're splitting the votes.
This is helping two Republicans, Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, who are doing well in the polls.
Even though most people in California don't like former President Trump, Bianco supports him openly.
If the Democrats don't unite behind a few strong candidates, they might lose the race.
It's a big deal because California is usually a strong Democratic state.
California's unusual primary election rules allow all gubernatorial candidates to appear on the same ballot in June, with the top two advancing to a November runoff.
The split among many Democratic candidates is boosting the two Republican candidates, Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.
A December poll showed more than 30% of voters are undecided, with Eric Swalwell and Katie Porter leading among Democrats.
Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate, openly supports former President Trump despite his low approval rating in California.
If Democrats do not consolidate their candidates, they may face an unexpected loss in the governor's race.
- Who
- California voters, Democratic and Republican candidates for governor
- What
- Potential shift in California's governor race due to Democratic candidate split
- When
- Primary election in June, runoff in November
- Where
- California, USA
- Why
- Democratic candidates are splitting the vote, boosting Republican candidates
- Primary Election Date
- June
- Runoff Election Date
- November
- Undecided Voters
- More than 30%
- Top Democratic Candidates
- Eric Swalwell (12%), Katie Porter (11%)
- Top Republican Candidates
- Chad Bianco (13%), Steve Hilton (12%)
- Trump's Approval Rating in California
- 29%