Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has a secret “break the glass” plan to prevent California from electing a Republican governor — though he’s stubbornly refused to make an endorsement in the race to succeed him.
The governor revealed the secret contingency plan to prevent two Republicans from advancing in the governor election — as polls show Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton near the top of the field in the packed race.
Newsom alluded to “action efforts” behind the scenes to make sure Democrats aren’t locked out of the governor’s race, saying he “making my case” to “encourage that doesn’t happen.”
Recent surveys show Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra and Hilton as favorites among registered voters, with billionaire Tom Steyer, Republican Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco and Democrat Katie Porter trailing a few points behind.
The top two vote getters in the June 2 primary election will advance to the November general election.
Newsom has repeatedly declined to weigh in on the race to succeed him.
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Asked for his thoughts on Becerra, who was California attorney general for the first two years of his term, Newsom awkwardly dodged the question and insisted he was “focused on diapers” at a San Francisco press conference last week.
Newsom allies, such as top political aide Lindsey Cobia, have reportedly rallied around Becerra’s candidacy in recent weeks after the stunning implosion of disgraced ex-congressman Eric Swalwell’s frontrunner campaign for governor.
“I see a lot of good Democrats I’ve worked with for years and years making their case,” Newsom said Thursday after unveiling his latest budget proposal.
California Democrats have also hatched a plan to change the primary system after anxiety broke out about a Democratic lockout this year.
Political consultant Steve Maviglio filed a petition last week seeking a return to the pre-2010 primary system in which separate primaries are held for each party.
Under that system, two candidates — one Republican and one Democrat — advance to the general election.
