Hilton accuses Newsom of ‘fearmongering’ over California top-two primary, urges rival to drop out of 2026 governor’s race
Republican candidate Steve Hilton accuses Gov. Gavin Newsom of ‘fearmongering’ to manipulate California’s top‑two primary, urging rival Chad Bianco to quit the 2026 governor’s race to avoid splitting the GOP vote under the jungle primary system.
Key takeaways
- Hilton says Newsom is using warnings about a Democratic shutout to split Republican voters and influence outcomes.
- Hilton publicly urged GOP rival Chad Bianco to withdraw to consolidate the Republican vote ahead of the top‑two primary.
- Polls show Hilton leading with Democrat Xavier Becerra close behind; Bianco trails and raises vote‑splitting concerns.
- The top‑two system allows two candidates of the same party to advance, creating strategic incentives to consolidate or coordinate.
Main content
What is the California top‑two primary system?
California’s top‑two primary, often called the jungle primary, places all candidates on a single ballot regardless of party. The two vote‑getters advance to the November general election, even if they are from the same party. Voters and strategists say that setup makes vote splitting a major concern in crowded fields. The system was approved by voters in 2010 and first used in 2012. For official background, see the California Secretary of State and reporting from CalMatters.
Newsom’s “break the glass” remark
At a news conference last Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Democrats could be shut out of the general election and said he had contingency plans if that scenario looked likely. “There’s many people that have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out, and we’re going to do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Newsom said, adding, “I’ll leave it there.” Reporters and Democratic strategists interpreted the comment as a signal party leaders could marshal resources, messaging and pressure on lower‑tier Democratic campaigns to avoid a two‑Republican November matchup. See the governor’s official site at Governor’s Office and coverage by KTLA.
“There’s many people that have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out…” — Gov. Gavin Newsom
Steve Hilton’s response: fearmongering and vote‑splitting
Steve Hilton fired back, accusing Newsom of using scare tactics to divide Republican voters. In statements to Fox News Digital and posts on X, Hilton argued the prospect of two Republicans advancing was unrealistic given current polling and fundraising. “He’s not trying to stop a top two Republican outcome because that is not possible and never was,” Hilton said, claiming the governor’s true aim is to encourage vote splitting so two Democrats advance.
Hilton has publicly urged fellow Republican Chad Bianco — who trails in polls and fundraising — to withdraw. In a campaign video posted to X, Hilton said consolidating the GOP vote is the only dependable path to ensure at least one Republican on the November ballot. The move intensifies an intra‑party fight just weeks before the primary.
Where the polls stand
Recent surveys — including Emerson College polling reported with Inside California Politics and aggregated by RealClearPolitics — show Hilton leading the overall field with Democrat Xavier Becerra close behind. Bianco lags in the lower tier, forming the basis for Republican concern about vote splitting. For raw polling pages, see Emerson College/Inside California Politics and RealClearPolitics.
GOP convention and party divisions
The California GOP convention in April exposed a divided electorate. Delegates failed to reach the 60% threshold needed to endorse a single gubernatorial candidate: Bianco won roughly half the backing while Hilton won about 44%, leaving no official party pick. Delegates’ split reflects grassroots support for both candidates and explains Hilton’s push for consolidation. Coverage and analysis are available from CalMatters.
Why both parties worry about being locked out
Election experts say the top‑two system inherently risks one party being shut out if voters splinter across many candidates. Richard Winger of Ballot Access News told reporters the 2026 race is uniquely uncertain because no single candidate is a dominant favorite, raising the stakes for both parties. That anxiety reflects a real structural gamble under the jungle primary.
Strategic moves ahead of the primary
Parties are already shaping tactics:
- Republican strategy: Hilton pushes for consolidation behind a single Republican to avoid splitting the GOP vote; his public call for Bianco to withdraw is part of that plan.
- Democratic strategy: Newsom and other leaders appear ready to coordinate support for top Democrats, encouraging lower‑tier Democrats to step aside and directing resources to maximize the chance of two Democrats advancing.
- Voter messaging: Both parties are likely to warn voters against “wasting” votes on long‑shot candidates to prevent unintended two‑same‑party outcomes.
Party leaders must decide whether to broker withdrawals or let voters resolve the field at the ballot box.
Implications for Walla Walla, Washington
California politics often shape national policy debates on business, regulation and taxes. Outcomes in the 2026 governor’s race — whether an all‑Democrat general election or a Hilton governorship — could affect Washington businesses that trade with California. Agricultural exporters and trucking firms in Walla Walla watch California labor, water and fuel standards for potential impacts on costs and market access; see the governor’s site at Governor’s Office for regulatory updates.
Politically, conservative voters in Walla Walla may view Hilton’s fight with Newsom as part of national partisan battles. Campaign messaging on crime, homelessness and fiscal policy could energize local Republican activists or push local candidates to adopt tougher stances. For local officials and voters, practical steps include monitoring policy changes, following primary turnout and polling trends, and using the contest as a case study on the risks of vote splitting. Useful resources include the Washington Secretary of State and reporting by CalMatters.
Sources and further reading
- California Secretary of State (top‑two background)
- RealClearPolitics polling averages
- Emerson College / Inside California Politics polling
- KTLA (news coverage)
- Fox News Digital (Hilton statements)
- CalMatters (GOP convention reporting)
- Ballot Access News (top‑two analysis)
- X (Hilton posts & campaign video)
Reporting contributed by Times Media Service.
