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

Despite a plea by the head of their state party for non-viable Democratic candidates running for governor to drop out now, none of the nine better-known Democrats in the race had suspended their campaign as of Wednesday afternoon, March 4.

In fact, the majority indicated their intention to remain in the race — some have even filed — even after California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks penned an open letter on 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.

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.

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.

Also running as Democrats, but with lower poll numbers, are: former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former state Controller Betty Yee.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, another Democrat, announced his candidacy at the end of January, much later than the others. Still, he has raised millions of dollars for his campaign from deep-pocketed Silicon Valley leaders, and his campaign has struck a confident tone.

“Voters choose the next governor, not political gatekeepers,” Mahan’s campaign said this week.

Meanwhile, other candidates who have been lagging in poll numbers made clear that, as of now, they are not going anywhere.

Thurmond criticized the suggestion that lower-polling candidates should exit the race.

“The California Democratic Party is essentially telling every candidate of color in the race for governor to drop out” while suggesting the three top-polling Democrats — “all White candidates” — remain in the race, Thurmond said in a video posted to social media.

“We’re in this race to win it,” he added.

Bernie was right… the system is rigged. I’m in it to win it. pic.twitter.com/dTF6aW7y4t

— Tony Thurmond (@TonyThurmond) March 3, 2026

Hicks, who never specified which candidates he thinks should bow out, said in response that “the letter speaks for itself. And the latest response from a superintendent I respect does nothing to change its message.”

Becerra, who previously served as California’s attorney general, shared photos of himself filing for the governor’s race on Wednesday.

“Viability is about winning votes, not polls,” he posted on social media. “I’ve won statewide election in California before and I’ll do it again.”

We're officially on the ballot.

I’m humbled and honored, as the son of a construction worker and a clerical worker, to have an opportunity to be our next Governor. Viability is about winning votes, not polls. I’ve won statewide election in California before and I’ll do it again. pic.twitter.com/tz4Zfcxh9t

— Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) March 4, 2026

The post came a day after Becerra traded barbs with one of his political rivals after Villaraigosa suggested he should step aside — a sign that the race is heating up as the primary barrels closer.

Citing a simulator created by veteran pollster Paul Mitchell, Villaraigosa suggested if Becerra stays in the race, there’s a 27.6% chance that two Republicans would move on to the general election, but that the chance of that happening would drop to 8% if Becerra exits the race.

Becerra fired back by reminding voters that Villaraigosa lost a previous bid for governor in 2018.

“Antonio uses computers to tell him what will happen because he’s never won a statewide election before,” Becerra said.

Villaraigosa then reposted Becerra’s post with the comment, “You won’t win this one, my friend.”

Yee, meanwhile, officially filed to run the same day Hicks urged candidates to take a hard look at whether they should remain in the race. Voters, she said, have had enough of “insider political theater.”

“They’ve had enough of the drama, the pollsters and the powerful elites,” Yee said.

“When they do begin focusing on the June primary election, voters will be looking for a governor who’s focused (on) the working class — not the billionaire class or the chattering class,” she said.

It’s official!

I filed my campaign paperwork to run for California governor.

I’ll fight to reduce the cost of living, expand opportunities, and protect the rights for all Californians.

Let’s do this. #cagovernor pic.twitter.com/xmmlyzHooL

— Betty T. Yee (@BettyYeeforCA) March 4, 2026

At least two top-polling Democrats have also filed. Swalwell submitted his paperwork last week.

“We’re running for governor,” Swalwell said in a video posted to Instagram as he looked up at a camera while filling out forms.

Porter, meanwhile, made it official on Wednesday.

A day earlier, her campaign spokesperson, Peter Opitz, said the former House member from Irvine has never accepted a cent of corporate money.

“With her progressive vision and fierce record standing up to (President) Donald Trump, voters – not special interests – will power her to victory in June,” Opitz said.

The campaigns for Steyer and Calderon did not respond to requests for comment for this article.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, at an unrelated event Tuesday, said he agreed with Hicks that it’s time for non-viable candidates to leave the race.

The primary election takes place on June 2.