California Democrats Seek Endorsements at State Convention
This past weekend, California Democrats convened for their 2026 state convention, where candidates for governor aimed to secure the party’s endorsement. Unfortunately for them, none were able to gather enough support to command a majority, which would have positioned them as frontrunners.
The Democratic candidates are facing challenges in gaining traction with voters, and there are at least nine individuals from the party in the running for governor. There’s an escalating worry within the party that the top two candidates from the Republican side might advance through the jungle primary, making it onto the general election ballot. Many expected their representatives to rally behind them.
A rally in San Francisco highlighted the candidates as they shared their platforms. Former Congresswoman Katie Porter was vocal, even showcasing a whiteboard that boldly stated “Forget Trump.” Other candidates also took their shots at the former president.
Notably, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who entered the race late, didn’t get to speak from the podium. NEXSTAR’s California State Conference reporter, Eitan Wallace, mentioned that candidates shouldn’t compete over who dislikes Trump more.
“We have to focus on improving life for middle-class and working families,” Mahan told Wallace.
In a bid for delegate support, billionaire Tom Steyer provided free lunch at the event, illustrated by video clips of attendees lined up for food. Despite these gestures, no candidate reached the necessary 60% threshold for official party backing. According to recent polling, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell holds about 24% support, while former California Secretary of State Betty Yee is just behind at 17.3%. Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is estimated to garner around 14%.
The absence of a unified candidate from the Democratic Party stands out, especially as several polls show Republican candidates Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton maintaining a lead statewide.
Emerson College polling released on Wednesday indicated that Hilton holds a 17% support rate, with Bianco and Swalwell tied at 14%. Porter follows with 10%. This polling came just a day after a report from Becerra’s campaign, which claimed a lead for Bianco at 20%, followed by Hilton at 12% and Swalwell at 10%.
Concerns regarding the potential for Republican candidates Bianco and Hilton to advance began surfacing on February 15th, especially after election expert Paul Mitchell discussed the likelihood of such an outcome. He initially estimated a 12% chance a Republican would outpace a Democrat after the June primary, a possibility he believed should not be dismissed. Following the Emerson College results, Mitchell noted a rise in that estimation from 12% to 18%.
