California Democrats Have Made a Mess of the Governor's Race.

The article focuses on the challenges facing the California Democratic Party in the 2026 gubernatorial race amid a crowded field of Democratic candidates defying party unity. California’s top-two primary system allows all candidates, regardless of party, to compete on the same ballot, increasing the risk that two Republicans could advance to the general election, potentially excluding Democrats despite the state’s Democratic majority. Party leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and state party Chair Rusty Hicks, have urged candidates to drop out to avoid splitting the vote, but most have refused, with concerns raised about the disproportionate pressure on candidates of color. The party’s delayed efforts to consolidate support and understand voter preferences highlight internal divisions that could jeopardize Democratic control of the governorship. [Extracted from the article]