Crowded California Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

The United States===California gubernatorial race is facing an unprecedented situation where a large number of United States===Democratic Party (United States) candidates are crowding the primary ballot. This has led to concerns among party insiders, including Paul Mitchell (political consultant) and Katie Porter, that the Democratic vote could be so divided that two United States===Republican Party (United States) candidates, such as Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, might advance to the general election. This scenario, while a longshot, would be a significant political shock in United States===California, a state known as a Democratic fortress where a United States===Republican Party (United States) candidate hasn't won a statewide election in two decades. The 'top two' primary system, where the top two finishers advance regardless of party, is contributing to this uncertainty, especially with current Governor Gavin Newsom barred from seeking a third term, making it a wide-open contest.