Republican Candidates Lead Polls in Deep-Blue California

A surprising shift is occurring in the race to be California's next governor. Polls now consistently show two Republican candidates at the top, despite California being a strongly Democratic state. Political experts say this is because the large field of Democratic candidates is splitting the liberal vote. Democratic candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently discussed this on the podcast "The Takeout." He argued that the state needs a "course correction." Villaraigosa is one of several Democrats competing in the primary election. The situation highlights the impact of California's "top-two" primary system. In this system, all candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party. Only the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election. This means it is possible for two Republicans—or two Democrats—to face each other in the final vote.