Newsom slams Trump during US military action in Iran
Newsom criticized President Trump in recent remarks for taking little time to acknowledge the four U.S. service members killed in the conflict with Iran.
California Democrats running for Governor of California, your party has a message for you. Carefully consider your candidacy and campaign efforts ahead of the fast-approaching filing deadline.
California Democratic Party Chairman Rusty Hicks called on candidates seeking to serve in the state’s highest office to “honestly assess the feasibility of their candidacy and campaign” as March 6, the last day to declare candidacy, approaches. In an open letter on Tuesday, March 3, Hicks said concerns about crowding among Democratic candidates “remain lingering.”
The Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that recent polls show five leading candidates, including Democrats Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell and Tom Steyer, are “virtually tied.”
Hicks said of the reasoning behind the latest message that while it may be “improbable” that two Republican candidates are displacing the California Democrat in the gubernatorial race, “it’s not impossible.” Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco (both Republicans) are at the top of the list, according to an average of various polls conducted by RealClear Polling.
The party chair specifically focused on the need for leadership from the California Democratic Party around Prop. 50. Proposition 50 is a voter-approved measure that temporarily implements new congressional district maps, paving the way for Democrats to hold more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“If the Democratic Party does not advance to the gubernatorial general election, Democratic turnout in California could drop in November,” Hicks said. “This outcome poses a significant risk to winning the seats we need and will jeopardize Democrats’ chances to retake the House, cut Donald Trump’s term in half, and save our country from the pain that so many have endured since January 2025.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a March 2 press conference that when he’s out in the community, people don’t talk about the gubernatorial race. He said this is an “interesting” observation given the voting in the primary elections that begin in May.
“I think it was tough to focus on that race,” Newsom said, noting the focus on President Donald Trump, redistricting and other issues.
What exactly is the California Democratic Party looking for in a candidate?
Hicks gave instructions to candidates in an open letter.
First, evaluate your candidacy and campaign. If you do not have a realistic path to the general election, please do not apply to have your name placed on the June primary election ballot. Additionally, if you decide to file but cannot demonstrate “meaningful progress toward winning the primary,” please be prepared to cease campaigning and support another candidate by April 15th.
When is the next California election? 2026 Primary Election
California voters will narrow down their field for governor on June 2nd. Regardless of party preference, only the two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the November election.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. please contact her pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
