In a year of hugely consequential midterm elections, the most interesting election of all may be the race to succeed Gavin Newsom.
California’s unusual primary system, where all candidates are listed and the top two go on to the general election regardless of party, has raised the very real possibility that this fall will see two Republicans on the ballot, and no Democrats, with a slew of Democratic candidates crowding the field and giving a chance to two Republicans in the race: former Fox News host Steve Helton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
On Monday, President Trump may have helped ease those concerns by endorsing Hilton, perhaps pushing Bianco down the ladder and giving the Democrat a chance…if some candidates drop out.
But the race carries national significance, given California’s outsized position in the global economy and its overall influence in progressive politics.
Given this importance, CNN is giving California a prime-time slot, with plans to host a primary debate that will take place across the country.
Moderated by Kaitlan Collins and California-based anchor Alex Michaelson, the debate will take place on Tuesday, May 5 at 6pm PT. Eligibility requirements will include “raising, contributing or lending at least $1 million” to the campaign, and polling at least three percent of likely voters in two polls.
The requirements are significant, as USC and KABC had to cancel a primary debate after the requirements put in place meant there were no qualified candidates of color. Given the number of Democrats in the race (Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Matt Mahan, Betty Yee, and Tony Thurmond all have supporters), it’s hard to model them.
