California Democrats May Have Too Many Candidates

[applegrove]

California Democrats May Have Too Many Candidates

February 22, 2026 at 9:04 am EST By Chris Riback 124 Comments

https://politicalwire.com/2026/02/22/ca-democrats-worry-they-have-too-many-candidates-in-gov-race/

“Democrats’ fear rising that too many candidates in governor’s race could lead to a Republican victory,” the Los Angeles Times reports.

“Leaders of the California Democratic Party, along with liberal activists and loyal power brokers, are openly expressing fear that their crowded field of candidates running for governor may splinter the vote and open the door to a surprise Republican victory in November.”

[haele]

1. Our Jungle Primary worked against the GQP 15 years ago

Because there were few Democrats running and lots of GOP and independents that were GOP aligned..
A lot of Democrats owe their state and federal positions to the Jungle Primary, whether they and the party, want to admit it or not.
It's a matter of Party Discipline at this point, and I'm seeing way too many otherwise good Democratic Candidates not checking their egos and ambitions and spending too much time in their localized political bubbles (looking at you, Schiff...) rather than making the occasional State tour - even to Libertarian hotbeds like Reading, Temecula, or Hemet - and talking to the public about opportunities and health care.
We should only be looking at two Candidates each seriously running by this time for the Governor, Lt. Governor, and open Senate Seat, instead of five running for Governor. We will end up with a Republican Tech Bro governor if we don't have a serious talk with all our Candidates.
Who has a better chance over the GOP and Libertarian types?

[lostincalifornia]

2. It is absolutely a valid concern. It was the f**king recall of Governer Gray Davis that started this mess, pushed by

the rethugs in our state.

After the first debate, Democrats better consolidate around ONE candidate or there is a better than even chance we will have a maga governor, which will be a catastrophe, especially at this time.

[Tree Lady]

3. I hope some candidates are smart enough to

Drop out so this doesn't happen.