It is unthinkable that a Republican could become the next governor of the great state of California. Yet, due to our very flawed jungle primary system and the crowded field of Democratic candidates, many are concerned that this horrifying outcome is a real possibility.
We are sharing an idea from the HODG Newsletter for an intervention from citizens which we think has a lot of merit. Please read their idea below and take the recommended action of writing emails to the low-polling Dem candidates for governor and ask them to drop out.
From the HODG newsletter:
"California has a “jungle primary,” which means the top two candidates advance — regardless of party. Right now, there are so many Democratic candidates that they’re splitting the vote. Multiple polls show two Republicans leading the pack. If that holds, Dems won’t even make it to November. Yes. Really.
Party leadership has suggested that lower-polling candidates step aside. Some candidates — and voters — are pushing back. Fair. Candidates want their shot. Voters don’t love being told what to do.
And yet.
The numbers are the numbers. And at the moment, they point to a scenario where the final choice in November is between Steve Hilton (former Fox News commentator, anti-regulation, anti-immigrant, anti-choice) and Chad Bianco (sheriff, Oath Keeper-adjacent, “law and order,” pro-deportation and not exactly subtle about it).Which is… well, we don’t even want to think about it.
So what do we do? We bring in the big guns. And those big guns are...Us. We need to pressure candidates to drop out. Because this is one of those times where the collective matters more than the individual campaign.
A HODG-er shared a drafted letter that makes this ask beautifully. Take it, tweak it, make it yours, and send it along to the candidates who are currently polling without a path.
Dear [Candidate],
I’m writing because I care deeply about California — and about this race.
Recent polling suggests that two Republican candidates are leading in the primary, and that the Democratic field is so crowded that vote-splitting could shut Democrats out of the general election entirely.
I have real respect for your public service and everything you’ve contributed to this state. This isn’t about that.
It’s about this moment.
Based on the current data, it does not appear that you have a viable path to the top two. I’m asking you to please consider suspending your campaign for the good of California.
We cannot afford to risk a MAGA-aligned governor. Not now.
You’ve already built a meaningful legacy of service. I hope you’ll consider protecting it — and the state — by helping ensure a Democrat makes it onto the November ballot.
With respect,
[Your Name]
Here are email addresses:
Xavier Becerra: info@xavierbecerra2026.com
Antonio Villaraigosa: contact@antonio2026.com
Matt Mahan: mayor@sanjoseca.gov
Betty Yee: info@bettyyee.com
Tony Thurmond: info@tonythurmond.com
There is no time to waste. Mail-in ballots are being prepared in April to be mailed no later than May 4!
Please send the emails if you can—and feel free to personalize!"
Thanks for all of the ways you take action to help our our country, our state and our communities!
