In a move that has sparked both concern and controversy, California’s Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks has issued a bold call to action that’s dividing opinions across the state. Fearing the unthinkable—a Republican victory in California’s gubernatorial race—Hicks is urging weaker Democratic candidates to step aside before it’s too late. But here’s where it gets controversial: his plea has ignited a fiery debate about race, party loyalty, and the very essence of democracy itself.
In an open letter addressed to the crowded field of Democrats vying to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, Hicks didn’t mince words. He emphasized the urgent need for candidates to honestly evaluate their chances of winning, stating, ‘It is imperative that every candidate honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign.’ While he didn’t name names, the message was clear: some Democrats need to bow out to prevent splitting the party’s vote and inadvertently handing the election to Republicans. And this is the part most people miss: Hicks acknowledged the emotional weight of his request, admitting it might be seen as harsh but insisted it’s necessary to protect California’s progressive leadership on the national and global stage.
The stakes? Sky-high. With President Trump in the White House, Hicks argues that California can’t afford a Republican governor, especially when Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-to-1 in the state. Yet, under California’s top-two primary system, where the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party, a crowded Democratic field could pave the way for two Republicans to dominate the November ballot. This scenario, Hicks warns, would not only devastate Democratic voter turnout but also jeopardize crucial down-ballot races, potentially derailing efforts to retake the House and curb Trump’s influence.
But the backlash was swift. Within hours of Hicks’ letter, former state Controller Betty Yee and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond—both polling low—defiantly filed their candidacies. Thurmond, who is Black and Latino, took to social media with a scathing video accusing the party of targeting candidates of color. ‘The California Democratic Party is essentially telling every person of color in the race for Governor to drop out,’ he declared, echoing Bernie Sanders’ critique of a ‘rigged’ political system controlled by elites. Thurmond further alleged that the party was favoring three flawed white candidates: billionaire Tom Steyer, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and former Rep. Katie Porter. ‘Aren’t we supposed to be the party who embraces democracy?’ he asked, challenging the very core of the party’s values.
This isn’t just a political strategy—it’s a moral dilemma. Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra pointed out the uncomfortable truth: nearly all the Democrats lagging in the polls are people of color. Hicks, while praising the diversity and strength of the candidates, sidestepped this issue, focusing instead on the ‘political realities’ of the moment. Yet, the question lingers: Is this a call for unity or a subtle form of exclusion?
Adding to the tension, influential Democratic leaders like Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Lorena Gonzalez of the California Federation of Labor Unions have echoed Hicks’ concerns, warning that low-polling candidates could inadvertently tip the scales in favor of Republicans. Meanwhile, Jodi Hicks of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California highlighted the dire consequences of a Republican-dominated election, citing threats to reproductive rights, healthcare, and marginalized communities.
As the Friday filing deadline looms, the debate rages on. Are Hicks and his allies safeguarding California’s progressive future, or are they undermining the very diversity and inclusivity the Democratic Party claims to champion? Is this a necessary political calculation, or a betrayal of democratic ideals? We want to hear from you. Do you think weaker candidates should step aside for the greater good, or should every voice be allowed to compete? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation California can’t afford to ignore.
