California Governor Race Doomed?
California is facing one of the most unpredictable and crowded governor’s races in its modern history — and the political chaos inside the Democratic Party is creating a rare opening for conservatives.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited and widely expected to pursue a presidential run in 2027. His looming departure has triggered a stampede of Democrat hopefuls, each eager to seize control of a state dealing with some of the worst crime, homelessness, and budget problems in the nation.
And here’s the stunning part: the race hasn’t even officially begun.
A Power Vacuum Inside a Deep-Blue State
The governor’s seat pays $242,000 a year, but the real value is national and global influence. California’s governor controls the direction of a state with nearly 40 million people, oversees massive trade relationships, and shapes high-profile policies on climate, business, energy, and public safety.
Democrats currently outnumber Republicans 2-to-1. But with so many Democrats piling into the race — and fighting each other — the primary could produce a shocking outcome.
A Fractured Democrat Field With No Clear Leader
The list of Democrat candidates reads like a political grab bag:
- Eric Swalwell — known for his role in Trump’s impeachment and his failed presidential run
- Antonio Villaraigosa — former Los Angeles mayor promoting his record of cutting taxes and increasing police presence
- Tom Steyer — billionaire climate activist pushing to break up California’s powerful utility companies
- Katie Porter — social media star weakened by viral video scandals and a growing reputation for volatility
- Xavier Becerra — former Biden health secretary now shadowed by a financial scandal involving a longtime aide
- Betty Yee, Tony Thurmond, Stephen Cloobeck, and a possibly returning Rob Bonta
Despite the long list of recognizable names, there is no dominant candidate, and party strategists admit the race could go “in any direction.”
Democrat Infighting and Scandals Take Center Stage
The campaign trail is already littered with missteps:
- Katie Porter’s meltdown during a tense interview went viral, triggering a wave of mockery and questions about her stability.
- Xavier Becerra is being battered by headlines after prosecutors linked a trusted aide to a scheme to siphon money from an old campaign account.
- Villaraigosa has already launched a hard-hitting digital ad spotlighting the scandal and questioning Becerra’s judgment.
- Rival campaigns are quietly feeding negative stories to the media in an effort to survive the crowded field.
For a party that claims unity, Democrats are tearing each other apart.
Republicans See a Narrow — But Real — Path to Victory
Conservatives haven’t won a statewide office in California in nearly 20 years.
But this year, the fractured Democrat field gives Republicans a genuine opportunity.
The top GOP contenders:
- Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco — known for his law-and-order leadership
- Conservative commentator Steve Hilton — a strong communicator with statewide name recognition
Under California’s “top two” system, the two candidates with the highest vote totals — regardless of party — advance to November.
With the Democrat vote split across 8–10 candidates, a Republican can advance with as little as 20% of the vote.
Just last year, former baseball star Steve Garvey shocked the country by finishing second in the U.S. Senate primary, outperforming multiple high-profile Democrats.
A repeat scenario is absolutely possible.
Billionaire Wild Card Could Reshape the Entire Race
Another major unknown is billionaire businessman Rick Caruso, who came close to becoming mayor of Los Angeles. He has not ruled out entering the governor’s race.
Caruso’s entry could blow the race wide open by pulling in moderates, independents, and frustrated Democrat voters.
California’s Next Governor Will Inherit a State in Decline
The winner of this chaotic contest will be handed a state with:
- exploding homelessness
- rising crime
- some of the nation’s highest taxes
- soaring electricity rates
- businesses fleeing for more affordable states
- billions in projected budget deficits
Even lifelong Democrats admit the state is approaching a breaking point.
Bottom Line: Chaos Benefits Conservatives
The California governor’s race is wide open, unpredictable, and already marked by Democrat scandals, infighting, and self-inflicted wounds.
For the first time in years, conservatives have a real chance to break through — especially with so many Democrats fighting for the same shrinking base.
This story is developing, and the political landscape could shift even more in the coming weeks.
