Newsom Weighs Endorsement as California Democrats Face Risk of GOP Upset in 2026 Governor’s Race

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:32:00 +0200

California Governor Gavin Newsom has so far avoided endorsing any of the Democratic candidates seeking to replace him in the 2026 election, despite growing concern within the party about an increasingly fragmented field. With too many Democrats splitting votes and no clear leader emerging, polls suggest the possibility that two Republicans—conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—could secure the top two spots in June’s primary, effectively shutting Democrats out of the general election under California’s top-two system. Political analysts warn that this outcome, while unlikely, could be catastrophic for Democrats in a state that historically leans heavily blue.

Newsom’s hesitation partly stems from the political risk of getting involved before the primary. As he positions himself for a possible 2028 presidential bid, endorsing a candidate ties his reputation to the success or failure of that person. However, experts like Thad Kousser of UC San Di