Governor's Primary Election June 2, 2026

How can California voters prevent a split vote that could result in two Republicans on the governor’s ballot?

Voting begins this week but does that mean we should rush to get our ballots returned ASAP? Perhaps not. The Governor’s race seems to be solidifying but there’s another debate this week and there are still too many candidates with active campaigns and no real chance to finish in the top two: Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond and Matt Mahan.

Use the Blue Voter Guide (https://bluevoterguide.org/ also useful for learning about the candidates in other races)  and the CA Governor Matrix (https://www.indivisibleeldorado.org/governor-matrix) to compare the current top 3 candidates and look at their endorsers as a clue to who best aligns with your values.  Then take a look at the Plan Your Vote (https://www.vote411.org/plan-your-vote) plan and consider waiting until a clear front-runner emerges before voting — but don’t wait too long!  We must enable at least one of the top three Democrats to reach the general election and we must vote by June 2.

Here’s what you can do: Use the script below to call and/or email the lagging candidates and let them know that it’s time to leave the stage and suspend their campaigns.

The latest polling (5/5/26), an average of 46 polls, (see: https://theballotbook.com/polling) shows the 4 leaders as Hilton (Rep) -18.1%, Bianco (Rep) – 14.1%, Steyer (Dem) – 13.7%, Beccera (Dem) – 13.4% with approximately 20% undecided. Your engagement matters…this is a critical moment for California!

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Please call and/or email the LOWEST polling Democratic candidates (names below) and urge them to suspend their campaigns and consolidate support behind a leading candidate.

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate __________,

My name is _____________, and I am a California voter from (ZIP Code).

First, thank you for your service and for stepping forward to run for Governor. Campaigning at this level takes real commitment, and I appreciate the time and energy you’ve dedicated to California.

I am writing to you because of the current dynamics of this race. There is a real risk that a crowded Democratic field could split the vote under California’s top two primary system, resulting in two Republican candidates advancing to the general election. At stake is not only the direction of our state, but the leadership of the fourth-largest economy in the world.

Given these circumstances, I respectfully ask you to suspend your campaign.

At this critical moment, I urge you to consider what is best for California as a whole. Current polling (see: https://theballotbook.com/polling) suggests a clearer path forward if the field consolidates.

I also hope you will consider endorsing a leading Democratic candidate to help unify voters and strengthen the path to keeping California’s leadership aligned with Democratic values.

Thank you again for your service and for considering this request.

Contact (email and phone number if available)

* Matt Mahan – info@mahanforcalifornia.com; (408) 535-4800

* Antonio Villagariosa – contact@antonio2026.com

* Tony Thurmond – info@tonythurmond.com