California Democrats clash as party chair urges weaker governor candidates to drop out ...Middle East

California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks is facing backlash from some candidates after publishing an open letter urging contenders to reconsider whether they should remain in the race if they do not have a viable path forward.

The filing deadline for the race is Friday, March 6.

Democratic candidates in the 2026 California governor's race

"Our political system is rigged," Thurmond said. "The California Democratic Party is essentially telling every candidate of color in the race for governor to drop out."

"I do find it interesting that Superintendent Thurmond decided to name himself when I didn't name a single candidate," Hicks said.  

"It's really hard to sit here and be told you should get out of the race when, OK, we're Democrats, I thought we believed in having choice," Calderon told CBS News Sacramento.

In the state's primary, the top two vote-getters move on to the November election regardless of party affiliation.

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer, a Democrat, also registered double-digit support in the poll, while 30% of voters backed other candidates and 10% said they remain undecided.

Even Newsom acknowledged the concern during an interview Tuesday, saying he understood why Hicks sent the letter.

After Hicks' letter was published, Thurmond and former state controller Betty Yee filed paperwork to run on Tuesday. Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced his campaign would be filing on Wednesday.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan also said he does not plan to drop out of the race.

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