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Jon Stewart Flags Risk From Crowded California Democratic Governor Primary

California’s top-two system raises the risk that a splintered Democratic vote could send two Republicans to November.

Overview

  • On The Daily Show, Jon Stewart pressed San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan on why so many Democrats are running and warned the party could split its vote.
  • Mahan said “undecided is still in first place,” underscoring voter volatility as the June 2 top-two primary approaches.
  • California’s open primary places all candidates on one ballot, so the two highest vote-getters advance regardless of party.
  • The field currently includes eight Democrats and two Republicans, a balance that critics say could advantage the GOP under the top-two rules.
  • A recent Politico-cited poll reported by Breitbart showed Republican Steve Hilton at 19% with Democrat Tom Steyer at 13% and several others, including Mahan at about 3%, clustered behind.