CA, US & World
California Democrats Shift Strategy to Prevent GOP Lockout in 2026 Governor’s Race
SACRAMENTO, CA — As mail-in ballots arrive in mailboxes this week, California’s Democratic establishment is executing a high-stakes strategy shift. Fearing a scenario where two Republicans advance to the general election, top leaders—including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi—are pivoting away from individual endorsements and toward a "behind-the-scenes" spending operation aimed at boosting Democratic turnout and tamping down GOP rivals.
The state’s “top two” primary system sends the two highest vote-getters to the November ballot, regardless of party. With a fractured field of Democrats, party leaders have long feared that Republicans Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco could lock Democrats out of the general election entirely.
The Current Polling Landscape
Recent tracking surveys show a highly fluid and competitive race. According to a California Democratic Party poll released earlier this week, the field is tightening as undecided voters drop from 24% in March to 14% today:
Steve Hilton (R): 18%
Xavier Becerra (D): 18%
Chad Bianco (R): 14%
Tom Steyer (D): 12%
Katie Porter (D): 8%
Matt Mahan (D): 7%
The race was recently upended by the exit of Eric Swalwell, who dropped out last month following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct—allegations he has denied. His departure has left progressives split between Becerra, Steyer, and Porter.
The "Greater Golden State" Insurance Policy
To mitigate the risk of a Republican-only November, top Democrats are funneling resources into Greater Golden State, an independent expenditure committee described by insiders as an “insurance policy.”
Finance records show the group has already raised significant capital, including $1 million from businessman Bill Bloomfield and $250,000 from the SEIU, which recently issued a joint endorsement of Steyer and Becerra. The group’s filings even include the name “Hilton for Governor 2026,” a common tactic used by opposing organizations to sponsor messaging that can influence which Republican voters choose to back.
Establishment Neutrality
For Gov. Newsom and Nancy Pelosi, staying neutral allows them to avoid picking favorites among political allies while shielding themselves from the fallout if their choice fails.
Newsom told CNN that while he has "friends in this race" and has known many of them for decades, he has no current desire to "lean in" with an endorsement. He did, however, dismiss the "performative" label given to him by rival Antonio Villaraigosa during Tuesday’s debate, while calling San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s description of his term as "incomplete" a "fair point."
“Success is not a place or definition, it’s a direction,” Newsom stated. “And so that’s a word I think all of us should be associated with.”
As the June 2 primary looms, the focus remains on ensuring at least one Democrat—likely Becerra or Steyer—can overtake Sheriff Bianco to secure a spot in the general election.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
May 8, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Tim O’Brien at the Coachella Valley Firebirds training camp!!
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Murder Suspect Vicky Kim has made a court appearance for the first time in almost two weeks amidst medical delays and two refusals. Today she plead NOT GUILTY to all charges of killing her husband. She is set to appear October 7th for her preliminary hearing. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for more information on this case. #breakingnews #courtnews #vickykim #coachellavalley #760
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Did you catch the bug that’s going around?
Talking With Thalia: GLP-1 medications have become a popular tool for weight loss, but what you eat while taking them matters, too. Local dietitian Jessica Brantley Lopez shares the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and hydration, along with why smaller, more frequent meals may help manage side effects and support healthy weight loss. Jessica also opens up about her own experience with GLP-1 medication and how it changed her approach to helping others. Talking With Thalia is sponsored by DAP Health. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TalkingWithThalia #DAPHealth #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Nutrition Dietitian HealthToday CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are one step closer to completing their $110 billion merger after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Paramount. The settlement resolves the states’ antitrust lawsuit, though it still requires court approval. The agreement includes commitments involving film production, workers and editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. California AG CNN’s Brian Stelter reports. #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #ParamountMerger #CNN #Hollywood #Media #Merger #Entertainment
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty
🚨 20 ARRESTS. 6 GUNS SEIZED. Cathedral City Police report 20 arrests and six handgun seizures following two days of enforcement tied to a Mongols Motorcycle Club gathering. Police also issued 77 citations and impounded 14 vehicles. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was four weeks in the making. #CathedralCity #BreakingNews #Mongols #CoachellaValley #PublicSafety