California Governor Race: Crowded Democratic Field

0:00On March 10, California's governor race is wide open with Governor Gavin Newsom term, limited and out after two terms. Eight prominent Democrats are competing, but none has pulled ahead in polls. In the state's jungle primary, the top two finishers advance to the general election no matter their party. Big names like former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Alex Padilla, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and billionaire Rick Caruso all decided to sit. It out. Without a dominant figure to clear the field, more candidates jumped in, each hoping to hit around 20% support to lock in a spot. Democrats are getting nervous about the crowded field splitting votes. Polsters say everyone is scrambling for that key threshold. While party leaders worry, two Republicans could sneak into the runoff. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks even sent an open letter urging some candidates to drop out, but only one did. Experts point to years of one party rule fracturing the political scene with no strong king makers to consolidate support. Everyone sees themselves as

1:04a viral hit away from the top, and distractions like national fights with former President Trump and ballot measures have kept the race under the radar. Meanwhile, consultants predict someone with deep pockets will need to force a two-way showdown soon, or the chaos could hand Republicans an unexpected edge as the primary nears.