Fearful of a Republican becoming California’s next governor, state Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks has blunt words for his party’s hopefuls.

“It is imperative that every candidate honestly assess the viability of their candidacy and campaign,” Hicks wrote in an open letter on the party’s website to those seeking to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. “I recognize my suggestions are hard for many to contemplate and may be even viewed as overly harsh by some.”

Hicks didn’t name those he’d like to see exit the campaign. But polling suggests that the lack of a strong Democrat candidate combined with the party’s large field is setting the stage for the unthinkable in true blue California. And that is a Republican governor who overlaps with the final two years of President Trump’s second term.

PPIC Poll Reveals Democrat’s Vulnerability

Results from Public Policy Institute of California polling last month indicated that five candidates are closely bunched at the top in June’s top-two gubernatorial primary. Two of them are Republicans (Steve Hilton, Chad Bianco) and three are Democrats (Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell).

Outside of the top five, other candidates gobbled up 30% of the votes in the PPIC poll — another sign that Democratic voters aren’t coalescing around one or two favorites ahead of the June 2 primary.

Who might have Hicks been thinking about when penning the letter?

State superintendent of schools Tony Thurmond, former state controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra come to mind.

Thurmond responded to Hicks’ letter by posting a video on X stating that the state Democratic Party wanted candidates of color to quit the race.

Bernie was right… the system is rigged. I’m in it to win it. pic.twitter.com/dTF6aW7y4t

— Tony Thurmond (@TonyThurmond) March 3, 2026

Villaraigosa Wants Becerra to Drop Out

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reported that Villaraigosa’s campaign said  “the best way to avoid Republicans taking the top two spots in the runoff” is for Becerra to drop out.

Now, back to Hicks.

“Much is at stake in our Nation and so many are counting on the leadership of California Democrats to stand up and speak out at this historic moment,” Hicks wrote. “California’s leadership on the world stage is significantly harder if a Democrat is not elected as our next Governor.”