Initially, Democrats were unnerved by the fact that the governor race may only include only two candidates, both Republican. California’s electoral laws mandate that the top two candidates are included in the statewide gubernatorial elections. As California Democrats were split between a plethora of candidates, the door was open that only the two Republican candidates, River County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton, may be the only two candidates available. The chances of this outcome are very low, however.
Junior Emir Dizdarevic dubbed this possibility as, “very disheartening.” Dizdarevic further explains his feelings about the struggle to find a republican candidate. “If they can’t even figure this stuff out to get a candidate they all support on the ballot isn’t really a good look,” he continued.
Moreover, the immense spending during this campaign and other recent campaigns such as in Kentucky’s 4th district contest that unseated Rep. Thomas Massie also unsettled Dizdarevic. “The fact that they’re allowed to spend this much money and nothing is said about it is insane,” he explained.
Bianco, for his part, has come under fire during the election process, one of his charges being that he was a member of the Oath Keepers, a far-right paramilitary organization that was involved in storming the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Though he is no longer an active member, Bianco expressed his pride in once being one during a CNN debate in early May. Despite Bianco’s praise for Trump, it was Hilton who received the coveted Trump endorsement.
Democrats then began to rally behind Rep. Swalwell as potential candidates such as Kamala Harris fell through. Then came claims of sexual misconduct, alleging that he engaged in sexual harassment, kept relationships with campaign staff and insubordinate workers, and committed sexual assault. These allegations led to him suspending his campaign for governor, making the race even more complex.
Since then, two main democratic candidates have emerged: Biden’s Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and billionaire Tom Steyer. Californians and Americans nationwide are on the edge of their seats to see who comes out on top.
