Could California See a Republican Governor Again?

By Jeff Zeleny, CNN

(CNN) – It’s been 20 years since California last had a Republican governor, but GOP candidate Steve Hilton believes there are 6 million reasons to think it could happen again.

That’s the number of votes President Donald Trump received in California in 2024, even though he lost to Kamala Harris by 20 points. This was still 1.6 million more votes than he got during his first presidential run in 2016, showing some growth in this solidly Democratic state.

As the California primary approaches, a lively competition has emerged for the governor’s seat, featuring several Democrats and two Republicans among the frontrunners vying for the top two spots that will move on to the November election. A total of 61 candidates will be listed on the nonpartisan primary ballot.

If Democratic voters split their support among multiple candidates, it’s quite possible that the Republican contenders – Hilton, a former Fox News host, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco – could end up as the top two winners in the June 2 primary.

“It’s a perfect opportunity,” former House Speaker Kevin Mc Carthy, a California Republican, told CNN. “The mismanagement of Gavin Newsom and such a weak field gives voters a chance to actually look at somebody new and better for California.”

While Democrats acknowledge that this scenario is mathematically feasible, they argue it isn’t politically likely given Trump’s unpopularity among many voters in the state.

Still, just considering an all-Republican general election is enough to unsettle Democratic leaders who are trying to manage what has become an unwieldy contest following Newsom’s eight years as governor.

“I continue to believe there are too many Democrats in the field,” Rusty Hicks, chairman of the California Democratic Party, said. “I have deep respect for those Democrats stepping forward to serve and I also know they understand how crucial it is to elect a Democrat as our next governor; we need to narrow down this field so we can win in November.”

Hicks’ frank observation highlights the uncertainty surrounding this race. The gubernatorial campaign took an unexpected turn when Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell withdrew from both his candidacy and Congress last month amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Democratic contenders Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Katie Porter are now competing fiercely for attention – all while targeting similar voter bases – in an unusual contest that might open doors for a direct face-off between Republicans.

Hilton has secured Trump’s endorsement for his campaign.

Bianco is another sheriff who has embraced claims of election fraud; he also ranks among the leading candidates receiving double-digit support according to recent CBS/You Gov polling data from California.

Despite Republicans making up only a small portion of California’s electorate, only Hilton and Bianco are genuinely competing for their votes. Even with Trump’s backing giving Hilton an advantage among Republicans, it may decrease their chances of both being among the top two finishers if Hilton begins pulling ahead of Bianco.

This possibility remains open due to ongoing jockeying among Democratic challengers without any clear frontrunner emerging.

A dry spell for GOP

Nineteen years ago feels like ages ago in Republican politics when Arnold Schwarzenegger won reelection on November 7, 2006. His significant victory marked one peak for Republicans during an otherwise tough night for them amid George W. Bush’s final midterm election.

“I love doing sequels,” Schwarzenegger told supporters that night in Beverly Hills. “This, without any doubt, is my favorite sequel.”

When he stepped down from office in 2011; it signaled an end after decades of Republicans winning major offices in California-a state that has had 21 GOP governors since its admission into statehood back in 1850-over half of all governors historically elected here.

The days when Ronald Reagan served from 1967-1975 or Pete Wilson served from 1991-1999 feel long gone now.

Pete Wilson’s controversial remarks on immigration and his backing of Proposition 187-which aimed at restricting government services access by undocumented immigrants-played significant roles shifting public sentiment away from Republicans towards today’s stronghold held by Democrats.

A call for change

A growing frustration over rising housing costs, homelessness issues statewide budget crises along with responses toward devastating wildfires have sparked calls for change following Newsom’s tenure which is limited by term limits preventing him from running again; plus he’s yet endorsed anyone else but has been criticized regarding his record by various groups including Republicans capitalizing on these concerns as part of their platform during debates leading up toward elections ahead!

“We cannot keep going in this direction,” Hilton expressed during one debate recently while challenging current policies stating further concerns about taxes raised under democrat leadership emphasizing fiscal responsibility rather than continual spending habits often labeled ‘insatiable appetite’ implying too much waste within public sector funds!

Biano voiced similar sentiments repeatedly criticizing governance overall claiming “they’re raising your taxes” arguing against expanding programs funded through taxpayers dollars currently being implemented across numerous departments citing refusal stop unnecessary expenditures creating heavier burdens placed upon residents!

The response coming directly most notably highlights criticisms tied closely associated past administration particularly decisions made under Trump concerning federal enforcement actions initiated throughout specific areas considered controversial locally led many candidates promoting ideas counteracting those initiatives pushing back against policies employed previously articulated statements emphasizing fight versus cooperation instead with ‘the enemy.’

“We need someone who’s going to fight Donald Trump,” Becerra remarked confidently presenting stance where contrasts were drawn connecting democratic platform principles not aligning any agreement found previously noted behaviors witnessed throughout various contexts publicly related issues occurring presently!

No matter how valid endorsements play out ultimately influence future dynamics surrounding races down line remain unclear despite low ratings seen amongst demographic segments leaning left possibly complicating efforts having viable pathways established sufficient gain ground built around broader themes discussed widely today affecting political climates overall moving forward!”

-The-CNN-Wire
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