KQED's Forum Inside California’s Crowded Governor’s Race
Apr 7, 2026
Seema Mehta, LA Times politics reporter covering California campaigns. Guy Marzorati, KQED correspondent on statewide races and polling. Marisa Lagos, KQED politics correspondent and Political Breakdown co-host. They unpack a crowded governor’s primary, why two Republicans lead polls amid Democratic vote-splitting, Trump’s endorsement effects, timing of ballots and ads, and which lower-polling Democrats might surge.
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Trump Endorsement Could Shift Republican Dynamics
- President Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton could consolidate Republican support and increase the chance a Republican reaches the top two.
- Seema Mehta and Guy Marzorati say that endorsement may push Hilton ahead at the state GOP convention and in June polling.
Calls For Dropouts Backfired On Democrats
- Attempts by Democratic leaders to get lower‑polling Democrats to drop out largely failed and sometimes backfired.
- Guy Marzorati reports candidates resisted quitting after public shaming, citing pride and personal ambitions despite low polling.
Watch Ballots And Ads For Late Campaign Shifts
- Expect consolidation once ballots drop and TV ads ramp up in early May; watch for mid‑April reevaluations.
- Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos advise voters to monitor ad spending and ballot arrivals to see who gains traction.