California's jungle primary may yield a Democrat-free governor's race

California’s top-two jungle primary could produce a general election with no Democrat on the ballot, a scenario given the crowded field (61 candidates) and a two-tier dynamic that can split the Democratic base. Polls show front-runners among Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, while Democrats including Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer vie for position in a field that also features Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and others. Party leaders have largely stayed out of endorsements, and national figures have avoided overt involvement to dodge political risk. Analysts say the race may hinge on affordability and the cost of living, which dominate voter concerns, making the outcome unpredictable despite California’s blue lean. Swapped candidates from the Democratic side, like Swalwell and Yee, remain on the ballot even after suspending campaigns, underscoring the chaotic nature of this unusually large field and the-jungle primary system.