Republicans may be cheering for this Democrat in the next gov debate
California Republicans may inadvertently benefit from Democrat Katie Porter remaining competitive in the gubernatorial race to prevent a Democratic one-two primary finish. With Democratic support consolidating around Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra, a fading Porter could push progressive voters toward those candidates, shutting Republicans out of the runoff. The top-two primary system means neither party is guaranteed a spot, making Porter's performance crucial for GOP survival.
- ▪California uses a top-two jungle primary system where the two highest vote-getters advance, regardless of party.
- ▪Recent polling shows Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer consolidating liberal support, while Katie Porter's numbers have dropped to 8–10%.
- ▪Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco risk being shut out of the November runoff if Democratic voters unite behind two candidates.
- ▪Porter's progressive base is unlikely to shift to Republican candidates, instead likely choosing other Democrats if she exits the race.
- ▪A Republican shutout in the governor's race could negatively impact GOP candidates across the state in legislative and local races.
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Opinion Republicans may be cheering for this Democrat in the next gov debate By Jon Fleischman Published May 3, 2026, 7:47 p.m. ET California Republicans spent months entertaining a fantasy: What if Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco both made the November runoff, and Democrats were shut out of the governor’s race? That was never the real danger. Rather, the danger was always the opposite: Not two Republicans locking Democrats out, but two Democrats shutting Republicans out. 4 Democratic candidate for governor Katie Porter may be the person Republicans in California need right now. AFP via Getty Images After all, the 2024 presidential results and 2025 Proposition 50 results show the conservative share of the vote in California tops out around 40%.
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