SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – As the primary race for California governor approaches its climax, many Democrats are finding it challenging to make their choices in a crowded field of candidates. Voting began in early May and continues until the June 2 primary, yet ballot returns from Democrats have been slower than usual, a change from previous trends in the state.
Unlike recent gubernatorial races, no clear frontrunner has emerged in this election. Prominent Democratic figures like former Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Democratic governor Jerry Brown have set high bars that no current candidate seems to reach. Colin Culver, a 21-year-old San Diego resident, expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, “I’m kind of pinching my nose and voting this go-around rather than being excited,” after ultimately choosing Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund manager turned climate activist.
The dynamics of the race have been complicated by California’s top-two primary system, which allows all candidates to appear on a single ballot, irrespective of party affiliation. Approximately 60 candidates are competing to succeed the termed-out Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, with six major Democrats and only two notable Republicans in the mix. This situation led party leaders to initially fear that two leading Republicans—Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton—might secure spots in the general election, potentially sidelining Democratic candidates.
Such fears were alleviated slightly after former Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from the race due to sexual assault allegations; however, the scandal has left many Democrats feeling uneasy about their options. President Donald Trump's endorsement of Hilton in April may have consolidated Republican support, raising concerns about a potential Republican victory in a state that has not had a Republican governor since 2011.
As the primary approaches, many Democratic voters are delaying their ballot submissions, hoping to see if one candidate breaks away from the pack. Some voters are relying on polling data to guide their choices, while others express frustration over the lack of a compelling candidate. Voter turnout among traditionally high-participation groups—often older, white Democrats—has been slower than expected. Paul Mitchell, a Democratic strategist, noted this behavioral shift, suggesting that some voters are hesitating because they are uncertain about the outcomes of the unusual race.
By mid-May, only about 10% of California's roughly 23 million voters had submitted ballots, with Democrats and Republicans at roughly 10% and 15%, respectively, an unusual split contrasted to previous years where Democrats often voted early. This suggests an unexpected hesitation and a need for clarity in their voting decisions.
Top Democratic candidates, including former state attorney general and federal Health secretary Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, are among the frontrunners, but voter support varies. A mid-May Public Policy Institute of California poll revealed that both Becerra and Hilton were backed by about 20% of likely voters, while Steyer, Bianco, and former Congresswoman Katie Porter garnered between 10% and 15% each. Becerra’s support has notably increased from only 5% in an earlier poll conducted before Swalwell's withdrawal.
Not all voters, however, are swayed by the latest polls. San Francisco resident Mary O’Neal opted for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, citing his successful tenure from 2005 to 2013, despite his limited traction in the current race. Fresno native Alexa Duran, 22, is leaning toward Becerra, though she has concerns regarding his past decisions as attorney general related to police violence.
Amber Larson, a 41-year-old judicial analyst, expresses reluctance about voting for established politicians like Becerra while feeling skeptical about supporting billionaires like Steyer, despite planning to back Steyer due to his concrete plans for energy affordability. “I don’t want to throw my vote away,” she mentioned, acknowledging the challenges of this unique primary season.
