California’s Democratic Party convention is underway in San Francisco, with numerous candidates vying for the gubernatorial nomination. Despite the crowded field, no single candidate has yet emerged as a clear frontrunner. A recent poll indicates Republican Steve Hilton holds a slight lead at 17%, closely followed by Democratic Congressman Eric Swallwell and Republican Chad Biano, both at 14%. A significant number of voters remain undecided, surpassing the support for any individual candidate.
The gubernatorial race is attracting substantial financial investment, reflecting the high stakes involved in governing California, which boasts the world’s fourth-largest economy. Candidates’ funding sources often indicate their potential policy priorities; for instance, support from the tech industry suggests a focus on a tech agenda, while labor backing points to a worker-centric approach.
Billionaire Tommy Styer has self-funded his campaign with $28 million, allowing him to stay in the race without external financial pressure. San Jose Mayor Matt Mayan has raised $6 million, primarily from Silicon Valley executives. Republican Steve Hilton has accumulated $4 million, while Democrats Eric Swallwell, Katie Porter, Javier Bera, and Antonio V. Regosa have each raised approximately $3 million from diverse private and grassroots donors.
Republicans see an opportunity in this Democratic-dominated state, with Hilton and Biano remaining competitive. In California’s top-two primary system, there’s a real chance for two Republicans to advance, potentially leading to a Republican governor. With 23 million registered voters and many still undecided, the race remains wide open, underscoring that financial backing alone does not guarantee victory. The primary elections are scheduled for June 2nd, with the general election on November 3rd.