Can’t win? Drop out: California Democrats plead with governor hopefuls as party fears Republican surge

Party worries crowded field to replace Gavin Newsom – and quirk of primary system – could open door for Republicans in November It’s been three decades since Democrats last had a wide open competition for the California governorship, one of the most visible and most powerful positions in the US. Instead of relishing in the competition of a crowded field, though, party leaders worry that the race to succeed Gavin Newsom could blow up in their faces. On Tuesday, the state’s Democratic party cha...

By Andrew Gumbel in Los Angeles and Lauren Gambino in San Francisco