Governor Gavin Newsom revealed he has a secret plan—dubbed “breaking the glass”—aimed at preventing a Republican from winning the governorship in California. However, he has consistently refrained from endorsing any candidate in the succession race.
Newsom disclosed a contingency strategy to deter two Republican contenders, especially as polls indicate that Steve Hilton, who supports President Trump, is gaining traction in a competitive field.
He suggested that Democrats are taking “action efforts” behind the scenes to ensure they remain relevant in the gubernatorial election, mentioning he is “making his case” to facilitate that goal.
Current polling shows Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra alongside Hilton as leading figures among registered voters, while billionaire Tom Steyer, Republican Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, and Democrat Katie Porter lag behind by several points.
The two candidates securing the most votes on June 2 will move on to the general election in November.
Despite the unfolding situation, Newsom has repeatedly chosen not to engage in the succession race.
When asked about Becerra, who previously served as California’s attorney general during the early part of Newsom’s term, the governor uncomfortably sidestepped the question, stating he was “focused on diapers,” suggesting a personal distraction.
Reports indicate that some of Newsom’s allies, including key aide Lindsey Cobia, have begun to support Becerra’s candidacy after the unexpected downfall of disgraced former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who was once seen as the leading candidate.
“I’m observing several strong Democrats I’ve collaborated with over the years making their case,” Newsom remarked following the announcement of his latest budget proposal.
In response to worries about a potential Democratic lockout, the California Democratic Party is considering adjustments to its primary election process this year.
A political consultant named Steve Mabilio recently filed a petition advocating for a return to the pre-2010 primary system, which allowed each party to have its own primary, ensuring that one candidate from each party could advance to the general election.
