California Democrats Plea for Gubernatorial Hopefuls to Drop Out

As California Democrats prepare for an open competition to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, party leaders are pleading with candidates to reconsider their campaigns if they don't have a viable path to the general election. The state's Democratic party chair, Rusty Hicks, has issued an extraordinary open letter to the candidates, urging them to not file for the primary election if they cannot make it to the general.

This is the first time in three decades that Democrats have faced a wide-open race for the California governorship, one of the most visible and powerful positions in the United States. However, instead of relishing the competition, party officials are concerned that the crowded field and a quirk in the primary system could open the door for Republicans in the November election.