Are too many Democrats running for governor in California? Republicans see an opportunity

A crowded Democratic field increases the chances that two Republicans, and no Democrats, make it past the June primary.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Are there too many Democrats running for governor in California? 

Corrin Rankin, the chair of the California Republican Party, told ABC News on the sidelines of a Republican National Committee meeting last month, "I think the Democrats should have a few more candidates. I say, if you're a Democrat, and you feel like running for governor? I say, jump in."

Rankin's taunt reflects very real anxiety among some Democrats in the state in the 2026 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom.

California uses top-two primaries, in which all candidates regardless of party are on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. 

It's been expected that a Democrat and Republican will advance or, given California's blue tilt, two Democrats. But a crowded Democratic field increases the chances that two Republicans and no Democrats make it past the June primary.